Ralph Rabe

URSA, Ill -- Ralph C. Rabe, 91, of Ursa, passed away on Monday, Nov. 16, 2015, at the North Adams Home in Mendon.

Ralph was born Aug. 31, 1924, in Mendon, to the late Chris and Katie (Schnellbecker) Rabe. He married Ermal A. Kepler on Dec. 24, 1948, in Quincy. Ermal passed away Oct. 31, 2015.

Ralph served his country as a motor sergeant in the United States Army during World War II. He was a founding member of the Meyer Christian Church and was baptized at the Ursa Christian Church. He was on the board of directors of the Federal Land Bank and a member of the Adams County Soil Conservation board and was an honorary FFA member.

Ralph farmed and at one time sold seed corn. He was a good conversationalist and enjoyed visiting with family and friends. He loved tinkering, camping, watching car races, sports and going to farm sales.

Surviving are three children, Dennis R. (Debbie) Rabe of Mendon, Marvin E. (Tammy) Rabe of Quincy, and Michael L. (Pam) Rabe of Ursa; five grandchildren, Josh (Debby) Rabe of Quincy, Lindsey (Rob) Frese of Quincy, Cassie (Bryan) Johnson of Quincy, Jenna (Lane) Sparrow of Quincy, and Clayton (Julia) Rabe of Comanche, Iowa; six great-grandchildren, Paige Rabe, Cal Rabe, Jackson Frese, Ellie Frese, Taylor Sparrow, Wyatt Rabe and one brother, Gerald (Mary) Rabe of Quincy.

Ralph was preceded in death by two brothers, John Rabe and Chris Rabe Jr.; six sisters, Nora Henze, Edna Waite, Freida Stoll, Alma Fisher, Laura Ward and Clara Andrew-Nichols.

SERVICES: Private family services will be held in the Hunter Funeral Home at Mendon. Interment will be in the New Providence Cemetery near Ursa.

MEMORIALS: In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Unity Sportsman Club.

ARANGEMENTS: Hunter Funeral Home at Mendon.

WEBSITE: www.hunterfh.com.

---