Ralph Anderson

Ralph W. Anderson, 92, of Morris, passed away peacefully Thursday, November 17, 2016 at Park Pointe Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center.

Funeral services with Military Honors will be held at 11:00 am, Saturday, November 26, at Ottawa Funeral Home. Visitation will be from 10:00-11:00 am at the funeral home. After services, cremation rites will be accorded and he will be buried at Mount Carmel Cemetery at a later date.

Ralph was born April 14, 1924, in Brookfield, IL to Hugo and Ludmilla (Millie Deichstetter) Anderson. He married Patricia M. Calhan on September 27, 1947 at St. Patrick’s Church, Seneca.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, and one brother, William H. Anderson of Downers Grove, IL.

He is survived by his four sons, Mike (Maggie) of The Villages, FL, Jack (Karen) of Centennial, CO, Greg (Debbie) of Seneca, and Larry (Kathy) of rural Marseilles; nine grandchildren, Matt (Nancy), Marcus, Chad (Leanne), Ryan (Amanda), Monica and Sarah Anderson, Miranda (Jason) Brockman, Kristin (RJ) Payne, and Elizabeth (Bob) Bennhoff; and eleven great grandchildren.

Honorary pallbearers will be his grandchildren, Matt, Marcus, Chad, Ryan, Monica and Sarah Anderson; Miranda Brockman, Kristin Payne and Elizabeth Bennhoff.

Ralph was a 1941 Riverside-Brookfield High School graduate. He was a member of the United States Army from January 29, 1943 until December 30, 1945, serving as Private First Class in the 10th Mountain Division. During Ralph’s service, he was awarded the Bronze Star. Ralph raised his boys on the Calhan-Anderson farm in Erienna Township which he affectionately referred to as Ulcer Acres. Family was always important and he would host extended family reunions at the farm. He was a member of St. Patrick’s Church, Seneca during his married life.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be directed to Seneca Food Pantry, PO Box 354, Seneca, IL 61360.