Robert W. Ralson, formerly of Palos Park, Illinois, and Chicago, Illinois, passed away Wednesday, March 26, 2014, in Decatur. Mr. Ralson was born in Chicago on October 5, 1925. He was a veteran of World War II, serving in the Marine Corps in the Pacific and was part of the occupying forces in Japan. He was retired from Reynolds Aluminum where he had worked for 43 years as an electrician. As a young boy, he would spend summers with his family at Magician Lake in Dowagiac, Michigan, swimming, boating and fishing, activities he later shared with his children at the family cottage. He was the beloved husband of the late Frances nee Hodges, loving father of the late Michael, John (late Cynthia), Maureen (Lon) Plestina, Patrice (Frank) Scudella, Robert (Carol) and David (Beverly). Adored grandfather of 13, devoted great-grandfather of 27.
He is survived by his brother, Gerald, and was preceded in death by his parents, August and Madeline (nee O’Brien) and sisters, Madeline Vrankin, Mary Louise O’Neill; brothers, John and Donald; kind uncle to many nieces and nephews.
Schmaedeke Funeral Home, 10701S Harlem Avenue. Funeral Mass was held Tuesday at Worth to Our Lady of the Woods Church, Orland Park. Interment was in Mount Olivet Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Wounded Warriors.
Parkway Funeral Home in charge of local arrangements.
