Ralph “Bud” E. Chafer Jr., 83, Fifield

Ralph “Bud” E. Chafer Jr., age 83 of Fifield, Wisconsin, passed away on Thursday, April 16, 2026,
at Park Manor Nursing Home in Park Falls, Wisconsin.
Services will be at 12:00 p.m. on Friday, June 26, 2026, at the Family Worship Center Assembly
of God in Park Falls. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service on Friday at
the church. Interment will be at Forest Home Cemetery in Fifield with military Honors provided
by the Fifield American Legion Post #532.
Ralph was born on January 11, 1943, in Greenfield Township, Milwaukee County, to Ralph and
Wilma (Nash) Chafer. After graduating from high school in 1961, he proudly served in the
Wisconsin Army National Guard.
Bud married Audrey Erickson on June 5, 1976, at First United Methodist Church in Phillips,
Wisconsin. Their wedding reception was celebrated at the Red Fox in Fifield. They shared 42
wonderful years of marriage until Audrey’s passing on December 5, 2018. Together, they
enjoyed camping, participating in couples bowling leagues, and creating lasting memories while
celebrating holidays with family and friends.
Bud dedicated more than 30 years of service to the U.S. Forest Service before retiring.
Following retirement, he worked part-time as a greeter at Walmart, where his friendly
personality earned him recognition as Employee of the Month. He also enjoyed deer hunting
and looked forward to moose hunting trips to Canada.
A devoted member of the Fifield community, Bud was actively involved in the Lions Club, where
he dedicated 40 years of service. He also served as a volunteer firefighter with the Fifield Fire
Department for 28 years and was a proud member of Fifield American Legion Post #532. Bud
was well known for his friendly nature, his ability to connect with people, and his knack for
selling raffle tickets in support of community events. He often reminded people that “every
ticket was a winner.” His quick wit, warm smile, and wonderful sense of humor will be deeply
missed by all who knew and loved him.
Bud is survived by his step-children: Carolyn (Roy) Duwe of Rosemount, MN, George (Karen)
Wagner of Marshfield, WI, Claire Wagner of Park Falls, WI, Susan (James) Rose of Butternut, WI
and Lynda (Patrick) Hamilton of Meadville, PA; 13 step-grandchildren; 17 step-great
grandchildren; 4 step-great-great grandchildren; siblings: Joe Chafer of Lombard, IL, Keith
Chafer of Fifield, Betty Nachtrab of Fifield, David Chafer of Florence KY, and Doris (Richard)
Smith of Colona, MI. He is further survived by many nieces, nephews, and extended family
members.
He is preceded in death by his parents, wife Audrey, and stepdaughter Sharon (Mert) Olson;
brothers Paul, Hadley, and Theodore Chafer; sisters-in-law Johanna, Shirley, Carol, and Marsha;
and great-niece Ashley.

Herman-Taylor Funeral Home in Wisconsin Rapids is honored to be assisting the family.