1929
Ralph
2010
Ralph George Gresch
April 4, 1929 — August 13, 2010
Ralph George Gresch, 81, of Sherrard, went home to be with the Lord on August 13, 2010 at the home of his son in Sherrard, Illinois. He was surrounded by his family.
Family and friends are invited to attend a graveside service at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, August 16, 2010 at the Sherrard Cemetery. Pastor Cindy Rettig from the Preemption United Methodist Church, which he attended, will officiate. A luncheon gathering to celebrate his life will follow the service at the Preemption United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall. All are welcome. Kirk, Huggins, & Esterdahl Funeral Home, Orion is assisting the family.
Ralph was born on April 4, 1929 in Kranzburg, South Dakota to Frank and Anne (Zaug) Gresch. His mother died of tuberculosis when he was three and he was lovingly raised by his stepmother, Alice (Dorman) Gresch. Ralph married Elaine Schnowske on April 7, 1956 in Davenport, Iowa. She died October 24, 2006. They raised 4 children in Swedona, IL and then moved to Sherrard, IL where they helped raise and spoil their many grandchildren. Ralph retired from the Rock Island Arsenal where he was a lumber and equipment operator. Ralph enjoyed his family, gardening, visiting with friends while dining out and discussing the second coming Christ.
Left to honor his memory are his children, Danny (Donna) Gresch, Sherrard, IL, Annette (Kenneth) Rowland, New Windsor, IL, Carla (Dean) Gooding, Maquon, IL and Melanie Gresch, Milan, IL, 8 grandchildren and their spouses, 2 step grandchildren and their spouses, and 7 great grandchildren. He also has two brothers, Maruice Gresch, Springfield, MN and Richard (Char) Gresch, West Seneca, NY.
He was preceded in death by his wife, parents, sister, Mary Ann, brother , Edward, a step great grandaughter, Alyssa Gooding and a great grandson, Nicholas Rowland.
Online condolences may be expressed to Ralph's family by visiting his obituary at www.esterdahl.com.
Family and friends are invited to attend a graveside service at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, August 16, 2010 at the Sherrard Cemetery. Pastor Cindy Rettig from the Preemption United Methodist Church, which he attended, will officiate. A luncheon gathering to celebrate his life will follow the service at the Preemption United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall. All are welcome. Kirk, Huggins, & Esterdahl Funeral Home, Orion is assisting the family.
Ralph was born on April 4, 1929 in Kranzburg, South Dakota to Frank and Anne (Zaug) Gresch. His mother died of tuberculosis when he was three and he was lovingly raised by his stepmother, Alice (Dorman) Gresch. Ralph married Elaine Schnowske on April 7, 1956 in Davenport, Iowa. She died October 24, 2006. They raised 4 children in Swedona, IL and then moved to Sherrard, IL where they helped raise and spoil their many grandchildren. Ralph retired from the Rock Island Arsenal where he was a lumber and equipment operator. Ralph enjoyed his family, gardening, visiting with friends while dining out and discussing the second coming Christ.
Left to honor his memory are his children, Danny (Donna) Gresch, Sherrard, IL, Annette (Kenneth) Rowland, New Windsor, IL, Carla (Dean) Gooding, Maquon, IL and Melanie Gresch, Milan, IL, 8 grandchildren and their spouses, 2 step grandchildren and their spouses, and 7 great grandchildren. He also has two brothers, Maruice Gresch, Springfield, MN and Richard (Char) Gresch, West Seneca, NY.
He was preceded in death by his wife, parents, sister, Mary Ann, brother , Edward, a step great grandaughter, Alyssa Gooding and a great grandson, Nicholas Rowland.
Online condolences may be expressed to Ralph's family by visiting his obituary at www.esterdahl.com.
Service Details
Monday, August 16th, 2010, 10:30am, Sherrard Cemetery
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