Mineral Point - Ralph Peter Schaaf, 91 of Mineral Point, WI passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Friday, September 25, 2026 after suffering a brief illness.

Ralph was born on June 4, 1935, to Urban and Leone (Dalles) Schaaf. Following High School in Mineral Point, Ralph enlisted in the United States Army in the 24th Decon Chemical Company where he was stationed at Fort Bragg, North Carolina for two years. While he was stationed in Fort Bragg, Ralph developed lifelong friendships with his fellow platoon members. These friendships spanned over 50 years. He was honorably discharged and returned to his hometown. Upon his return he was reunited with the love of his life, Jean Ann Harris and were married on February 23, 1955.

Together they began their life in Janesville, WI where Ralph worked at General Motors. His heart always remained in farming, so they returned home to Mineral Point where he was able to fulfil his dream and start a family.

Ralph spent his entire life working on the family farm. After his retirement, his strong work ethic continued, where he spent over 20 years working for the Mineral Point School District.

Outside of work, Ralph was a devoted Catholic and member of the St. Mary/St. Paul Catholic Church. He was a proud member of the American Legion Post 170, Knights of Columbus, County Line 4-H Club and loved volunteering his time each year at the Iowa County Fair. Ralph was fortunate enough to attend the Iowa County Fair for the last time earlier this month.

Ralph was a loyal Green Bay Packer, Badger and Brewer fan, and rarely missed an opportunity to watch a game.

Ralph’s greatest joy and proudest accomplishment in life was his family. He is survived by his loving wife of 69 years, Jean, and together with their love for each other, they raised seven children on the family farm:

Karen (deceased) (Mark Cody), Greg (deceased), Mark (Kate), Marcia (Ron Koller), Mary (Jim Pluemer), Susan (Bryan Schultz), and Terri (Bob Lawinger).

They were also blessed with 18 Grandchildren, 20 Great Grandchildren, with two more on the way, and one Great-Great Grandchild. He is further survived by niece Nancy (Tom Klawitter), niece Sue Studinger and all the nine special Regan nieces and nephews.

Ralph, in his faith, is finally reunited with his daughter Karen and son Greg. He is further proceeded in death by his parents, in-laws William and Ruth Harris, sister Patty and brother in-law Bob Regan, brother-in-law Donald Harris, sister in-law and brother in-law Doris and Harold Robb and nephew Bob Studinger and other relatives and friends.

A Mass and Christian Burial will be held at Ss. MARY & PAUL CATHOLIC CHURCH in Mineral Point on Saturday, October 3, 2026 at 11:00 am, with Father Alex Carmel presiding. Military graveside rights will be accorded by the Mineral Point American Legion Post #170 at St. Mary's Cemetery.  Visitation will be at Ss. MARY & PAUL CATHOLIC CHURCH on October 3, 2026 from 9:00 am until 11:00 am. A luncheon will follow at St. Mary & Paul's Catholic Center.

Military graveside rights will be accorded by the Mineral Point American Legion Post 170 at St. Mary's Cemetery.

The Schaaf family would like to extend our greatest thanks to Dr. Aaron Dunn, Dr. Emily Jewell, Upland Hills Health, Mineral Point Rescue Squad, and Mineral Point Health Services for all their compassion and care for Ralph.