Ralph E. Turpen Obituary (1945

Henry: Ralph E. Turpen, 74, of Henry, passed away Wednesday May 22, 2019, 2:56 pm at the OSF Richard C. Owens Hospice Home, Peoria. Visitation will be Tuesday May 28, 2019 from 4:00 to 8:00 pm at Calvert & Johnson Memorial Home, 513 Carroll St. Henry. Mass of Christian Burial will be Wednesday 11:00 am at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Henry. A second visitation will be Wednesday one prior to mass at the memorial home. Fr. John Bossco Mujuni and Deacon Robert Murphy will officiate. Cremation rites will be accorded following the mass. In Lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Henry Ambulance or the St. John's XXIII Parish Outreach for senior meals. Ralph was born April 27, 1945 in Spring Valley, Illinois to Ralph and Eleanor (Briner) Turpen. He married Sandra Hodge on July 30, 1966 at St. Mary's Church, Henry. She survives in Henry. Also surviving are his children, Edi (Roger) Perdew, of Henry, Trisha (Craig Knowlton) Turpen, Doug (Stacy) Turpen, Marybeth (Paul Adekoya) Turpen, of Washington, B.J. (Emily) Turpen, of East Peoria, thirteen grandchildren, Jacob, Patrick, Kimberly, Savannah, Jaret, Madison, Justin, Jacee, Jozie, Jasmine, Will, Alec and Eliana; one great granddaughter, Paisley; two sisters, Linda (Jim) Darlington and Barbara (Bob) Tucker, both of Henry. His parents, three sisters; Kayeta Boddie, Rita Beebe and Carol Thomas, two brothers; Donald and Daryl Turpen, preceded him in death. Ralph retired from Caterpillar Tractor in 1999 after 35 years of service. He also worked for Ed Hartwig Trucking and was a bus driver for the Henry-Senachwine School District. Ralph was a proud member of U.A.W. Local 974. His great loves in life was to be with his grandchildren and kids. His favorite pastime was fishing, hunting, playing cards and music. Ralph was a dedicated Chicago Cubs and Bears fan.