Obituary for Ralph Westervelt
Ralph Westervelt, 85, of Pekin passed away Wednesday, October 14, 2015 at St. Joseph Home in Lacon. He was born December 30, 1929 in Pekin to Baltus and Julia Helmig Westervelt. He married Norma J. Bittner July 5, 1952 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Pekin; she preceded him in death April 12, 2015. He was also preceded in death by his parents and brother, Robert D. Westervelt. He is survived by his daughter, Coleen K. (Kevin) Gregory of Green Valley; granddaughters, Angela D. Bontemps of Delavan, Lyndsey C. Broyles of Pekin; great-granddaughters, Shelby and Gracie Bontemps of Delavan; great-grandson, Holden Wald of Pekin and sister, Wilma J. Meyer of Pekin. He graduated in 1948 from Pekin Community High School and was a S/SGT in the United States Air Force from 1950 to 1954. Ralph worked for Caterpillar from 1956 to 1985. He was a Design Engineer from 1956 to 1978 and a Patent Engineer from 1978 to 1985. After retiring from Caterpillar he worked as a Design Engineer from 1985 to 1995 and R.P. Lumber Yard from 1995 to 2000. He was a member of Sacred Heart Church in Peoria. He was a beloved father and grandfather and will be truly missed. Cremation has been accorded and a private family graveside service for Ralph and Norma will be held at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Pekin at a later date. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to TAPS in Pekin in his name.
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