Ralph Vernon Hamburg

PORTAGE -- Ralph Vernon Hamburg, 54, Portage, went home to be with our Lord and Savior on Saturday, Oct. 19, 2013, at 7:58 p.m. He passed away at home surrounded by his family and friends just six months after a severe right-sided stroke and recent seizure activity.

Ralph was born in Reedsburg on Nov. 14, 1958, to Vernon E. and June A. Lehman Hamburg of Loganville. He graduated from Reedsburg High School in 1977. Ralph worked several jobs included Klines of Baraboo and Grede Foundary in Reedsburg. In 1994, he married his soul-mate Mary E. Adams Hamburg. Ralph has two children from two previous marriages, a daughter, 29, and a son, Luka Hamburg, 26. He has a beautiful step daughter, Abra N. Shimpach, 24, who is expecting his granddaughter in November. Ralph and Mary also have two energetic sons, Noah John Vernon Hamburg, 13 and Ezra Nehemiah Hamburg, 11. From 1993 to 1995, Ralph attended Madison Area Technical College, taking general study classes, psychology and received his EMT certification. In 1994, Ralph worked as an ambulance driver and EMT for Kutz Ambulance Service, Portage. Since that time, he also worked at Spiegelhoff's Pick-n-Save in Portage, AMPI in Portage, and in 2003 he schooled for semi-truck driving and took a job with Neesam Trucking Inc., Pardeeville, where he remained until his stroke April 6. Ralph was called by God to be baptized into a new life with Christ at River of Life Church, Portage, where he and Mary chose to become members. Ralph was devoted to being a protector and provider for his wife and children, as well as a Godly role-model and spiritual leader. He loved nature and his hobbies were hunting, fishing and golfing. He enjoyed telling stories and sharing his Christian beliefs with his friends and coworkers. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, uncle and dear friend whom will be deeply missed.

Ralph was preceded in death by his father, Vernon E. Hamburg; a brother-in-law, Ron Johnson; as well as some aunts, uncles, grandparents and a few cousins. Ralph is survived by his wife, Mary E. Adams Hamburg; children, Abra N. Shimpach, Noah J.V. Hamburg and Ezra N. Hamburg, all of Portage, Luka Hamburg of Reedsburg, and a daughter of Sauk City. He is also survived by his mother, June Lehman Hamburg of Reedsburg; brothers and sisters, Kathy Hamburg Powell of Lodi, Carrie (Phil) Hamburg-McPherson Catterson of Baraboo, Larry (Rhonda) Hamburg of Portage, Timothy Hamburg of Loganville and Valerie Hamburg Moore of Minnesota; three grandchildren; 12 nieces and nephews, and a number of great-nieces and -nephews.

A celebration of life service will be held at 4 p.m. Saturday at River of Life Church, 104 W. Franklin St., Portage. There will be fellowship time to follow with the family. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the family.