Ralph B. Gustafson, 84, of Cuba City, WI passed away on Saturday, October 24, 2026. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 31st at the United Methodist Church in Cuba City, WI, with Pastor Carter Jorgensen officiating. Burial with military honors accorded will follow in the Mount Pleasant Cemetery in Cuba City, WI. Family & friends may call on Friday, October 30th from 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. at the Haudenshield Funeral Home & Crematory in Cuba City, WI; also on Saturday, October 31st from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at the church. The Haudenshield Funeral Home & Crematory in Cuba City, WI is serving the family.

Ralph was born on June 12, 1942, in Elgin, IL, the son of Harvey and Marie (Ihnen) Gustafson. He graduated from Hampshire High School in Hampshire, IL, in 1960. Following graduation, Ralph worked at Petersen Propane in Hampshire and later as a hired hand on a neighboring farm. He then began working at Chicago Rawhide in Elgin, where he remained until he was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1964. After completing his training at Fort Knox, KY, Ralph spent most of his military service stationed in Hawaii, where he served as a gunner and driver. Upon completing his military service in 1966, Ralph returned to Elgin, where he worked at Helm & Pearsall before returning to Chicago Rawhide. During this time, he also helped at Duchaj’s Gas Station, starting cars during the cold winter months. In 1967, Ralph followed his passion for farming by purchasing a dairy operation from his brother. He began milking cows on the George Wilcox Farm in Hampshire, IL, continuing a family farming tradition established by his father and brother, who had operated the farm before him. Ralph married Dorothea E. Deackman on March 6, 1971, in Hampshire, IL. Together, Ralph and Dorothea continued to pursue their dream of dairy farming by purchasing a farm in Cuba City, WI, in 1973. In addition to farming, Ralph enjoyed attending farm toy shows and building an impressive collection of toy tractors and various pieces of miniature farm equipment. His collection began with a couple of his own childhood toy tractors from the 1950s and continued to grow after moving to Cuba City. Throughout the years, Ralph and Dorothea also enjoyed hosting "Camp Raldo," a special "working summer camp" for their nieces, nephews, and great-nephews. It became a cherished family tradition, providing opportunities to experience farm life while creating lasting memories together. In 2021, Ralph sold his beloved farm to some very special friends, Eric and Jennifer Busch and their family.

Ralph is survived by a sister, Anna Wakefield of Dublin, CA, 9 nieces and nephews and their families. He was preceded in death by his wife of 47 years, Dorothea (Dec. 31, 2018), his parents, and 4 siblings: infant brother, David, Daniel, Fred & Harvey Jr.

In lieu of plants & flowers, memorials may be mailed to the Cuba City United Methodist Church or the American Cancer Society.

Memorials may be mailed to:

Haudenshield Funeral Home
c/o: Ralph Gustafson Family
P.O. BOX 825
Cuba City, WI 53807