Rahlf Joseph Proulx, 83, died Wednesday, February 19, 2025 at his home. He was a kind and gentle soul who cared deeply for others.
Rahlf was the son of the late Joseph and Beatrice (Rahlf) Proulx. He was born April 17, 1941 in Merrill, WI. He was the oldest of four sons. Rahlf graduated from Newman Catholic High School in Wausau, WI and obtained his clergy credits from Viterbo University.
He married his wonderful, sweet wife, Ann, on September 14, 2007 at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church. They shared their love, family and friends with each other.
In 1982, Rahlf entered the lay ministry and deacon formation for the Diocese of La Crosse, WI. Rahlf was ordained a deacon on December 12, 1987 at St. Joseph the Workman Cathedral for the Diocese of La Crosse by Bishop John Paul and assigned to his first Catholic parish. He remembered the day fondly as it fell on the Feast Day of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Rahlf served and brought comfort to many as a deacon in Eau Claire, WI and at Holy Innocents Catholic Church in Manitowoc.
In December 1990, Rahlf entered a 44-week clinical pastoral education program. After completing this intense period of study, Rahlf met with the National Association of Catholic Chaplains and received his clinical certification.
Rahlf joined Holy Family Memorial Medical Hospital in Manitowoc, WI as a full-time staff chaplain in January 1992. During this time, he cared for critical and dying patients. Rahlf retired from this position in 2017, and often stated how much he missed praying with and caring for others.
In his early years, Rahlf worked for S&H Green Stamp Co., Motorola Communications Co., and Universal Underwriters Insurance. He also served part time as a deputy sheriff for Marathon County in the 60s and 70s, and in the United States Coast Guard from which he was honorably discharged.
Among the joys in Rahlf’s life were his hobbies of amateur radio, motorcycles, trains, hunting some years ago, a good glass of wine, and chocolate. He was most proud of his children, grandchildren, family and friends who found our Lord.
Rahlf is preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Beatrice Proulx, and daughter, Renee Proulx.
Survivors include Rahlf’s wife of 17 years, Ann Proulx. His children Mark Proulx, Michelle Proulx (significant other Steve Seigler) and Marnie (Dan) DiCristi, and Ann’s children Amy Hanson and Joe Holschbach. He is further survived by grandchildren Kerri (Dee) Kortness, Evan Proulx, Sean Proulx, Anna Proulx, Liliann Hanson and Leo Holschbach. He also is survived by siblings Paul (Cheryl) Proulx, John Proulx, and Larry (Karen) Proulx; Ann’s brother, Mike (Jill) Gretz; nieces; nephews; grandnieces and grandnephews.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, February 25, 2025 at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, 8100 Brunner Road, Newton, WI 53063. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Rev. Dave Beaudry with burial of Rahlf’s cremated remains to be placed next to his daughter, Renee, at St. Joseph Cemetery in Wausau, WI at a later date. The family will greet relatives and friends at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church on Tuesday, February 25, 2025 from noon until the time of the funeral service at 2 p.m. Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.harriganparksidefuneralhome.com.
In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate memorials in Rahlf’s name that will be used to benefit organizations that feed the hungry.
The Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home and Crematory, North 11th and St. Clair streets, Manitowoc is assisting the family with funeral arrangements.
If you don’t forgive you can’t love, and if you don’t love you can’t forgive.
