Ralph Edward Harker Jr

Ralph E. Harker, Jr., 81, of East Moline, IL, formerly of Sherrard, IL, died Wednesday, May 15, 2013, at Trinity Rock Island, IL.

Funeral Services will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, May 20, 2013, at Esterdahl Mortuary & Crematory, Ltd., 6601 38th Avenue, Moline, IL. Visitation will be from 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, May 19, 2013, at the funeral home. Burial will be at Sherrard Cemetery with military honors provided by Orion American Legion Post # 255. Memorials may be made to Heritage Wesleyan Church.

Ralph was born on December 5, 1931, in East Moline, IL, the son of Ralph E. and Jenny V. (Rumple) Harker, Sr. He married Joyce E. Caldwell on June 12, 1971, in Rock Island, IL, and she preceded him in death on December 20, 1995. He later married Gurtha (Ramsey) Miller on March 7, 2001, in Rock Island. Ralph owned and operated the R&R Armature as well as Harker's Greenhouse in Sherrard, IL. Also, he farmed the Sherrard area. For 30 years he worked for John Deere Harvester in East Moline, retiring in 1985 as a Garage Mechanic. Ralph was a United States Army veteran having served in the Korean War. He was a member of U.A.W. Local East Moline. Ralph enjoyed spending his time boating, fishing, camping at the lakes, and made homemade wind chimes. Above all, Ralph loved spending his time with his family and friends.

Survivors include
Wife Gurtha Harker East Moline, IL
Children Debra (Jeff) Wilson Arizona
Michelle Rivchin Arizona
Lynnette (Tony) Frutiger Orion, IL
Step Children Gracie (Tim) Howard Rock Island, IL
Danny (Holly) Miller Geneseo, IL
Dale (Kelli) Miller Coal Valley, IL
Vicki (Ron) Bradford Moline, IL
Joe Poole Coal Valley, IL
Cathy Barnes East Moline, IL
Tracy (Scott) Nissen Coal Valley, IL
21 Grandchildren
12 Great Grandchildren
Brothers Clifford (Deb) Harker New Boston, IL
Robert (Nancy) Harker Arizona

He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Michael Harker; step-son, Bill Webb; sister, Doris Allen.

Online condolences may be left for his family by visiting esterdahl.com.