Ralph W. Heine

Visitation for Ralph William Heine, 86, of Palatine since 1958, will be held Wednesday, November 5, 2025, from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Ahlgrim Family Funeral Home, 201 N. Northwest Hwy, Palatine. The visitation will continue Thursday, November 6th; where he will lie in state from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the Funeral Service at 11:00 a.m. at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 200 N. Plum Grove Road, Palatine. The Interment will follow in Randhill Park Cemetery.

Ralph was born December 4, 1938, in Elgin, IL, and passed away October 27, 2025, in Palatine. He was a long-time member of Immanuel Lutheran Church and serving on an ushering team.

Ralph was the beloved husband of the late Lorraine J. (nee Schwantz) Heine (2020); loving father of Robert (Debora) Heine and Susan Driggers; loving grandfather of Bradley Heine, Ashley (Ryan) Perez, Jeremy Driggers, Matthew (Danielle) Driggers, and Kayley Driggers; loving great grandfather of Marrah Perez. He was the dear son of the late Arthur and Adella (nee Clausing) Heine; fond brother of Marian (Warren) Nesler, Elaine Pearson, Sandra (Gary) Schwarz, and Diane (Rick) Hamilton.

Ralph was definitely one-of-a kind person. He was the most fun-loving, positive, kind, happy person who was full of life. He greeted you with a smile on his face, listened to you, talked to you and always willing to help. He loved sharing his knowledge as he was a world of wisdom and knew pretty much something about everything. He was adventurous, creative, and always had a plan of something to do. He lived his life simple and made the most of everything that was given to him.

Ralph grew up on a farm off Barrington Road and 58 (now a forest preserve). He moved to Palatine when he married Lorraine on January 17, 1959. He worked as a crane mechanic in the industry for many years. He worked at Gibbons Cranes for many years and formed many life-long friendships.

He retired around 1996 to spend more time with the grandchildren. He also had a motor home for him and his wife (Lorraine before she passed in 2020) so they could travel more.

After retirement, he was more active than while he was working. He loved playing volleyball and softball at Palatine Park District. It didn’t matter if they won or lost, just as long as they had fun. He liked working in the yard, building things, and puttering around in his garage. He did senior Olympics, enjoyed ping pong, boating, snow-mobiling, hiking, looking at old-time cars, talking stocks, going to festivals and listening to music, time with friends and family, but had the most fun, “coming up with fun” for the grandkids that would create memories that they will talk about forever!

In lieu of flowers, memorials are appreciated to Immanuel Lutheran Church.