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Ralph Vortman Obituary
Jacksonville - Ralph E. Vortman, 85, of New Berlin, Illinois passed away Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at The Grove in Jacksonville.
He was born March 22, 1940, in Jacksonville, the son of Luther and Nina Louise (Krusa) Vortman. He married Linda Estabrook on December 22, 1967, in Springfield and she preceded him in death on September 4, 2023.
He is survived by two daughters, Tonia (Marcus) Raichle of St. Louis, MO and Melinda (Greg) Walter of Oskaloosa, IA; eight grandchildren, Keaton Coleman, Claire and Bridget Raichle, Paige (Tyler) Kindley, and Nicholas, Ryan, Emily, and Ella Walter; and one brother, Alan "Butch" (Lizabeth) Vortman of Kewanee. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; one brother, Ted A. Vortman, and a sister in infancy.
Mr. Vortman was a diesel mechanic. He learned mechanics working at his father's business, Central Motors, in Bluffs. He then worked for KE Vas and Moeller Enterprises for nearly 50 years. He was a dedicated sprint car builder and fan, and in his younger years he enjoyed playing basketball. He loved working and building. Ralph was selfless, lived for his family, and especially loved his grandchildren.
A funeral service will be held 11 A.M. Monday, January 12, 2026, at the Buchanan & Cody Funeral Home in Jacksonville with burial at Woodwreath Cemetery north of New Berlin. The family will meet friends 10-11 A.M. prior to the service. Memorials are suggested to the Wounded Warriors Project. Condolences may be left at buchanancody.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Ralph Vortman
4 Entries
Jessica Joe
January 9, 2026
My dad worked with Ralph at Moeller when I was growing up. When I worked at the nursing home, I loved stopping by and seeing him and giving him hugs. My heart goes out to Tonia and everyone else in his family.
Anna DeGuvara
January 8, 2026
It was an honor & true blessing to care for Ralph. My condolences to you & your family. In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
Janice Walker Dolen
January 8, 2026
I'm so sorry to read of Ralph's passing. We were classmates all through school at Bluffs Grade and High School.
Kirsten Davidsmeyer
January 8, 2026
I was blessed to meet Ralph later on in his life. He was always so patient and kind to me. I was blessed to be one of his caregivers. A good memory I have is one day we were talking about my first car. My first car was a 1969 Buick Skylark and he knew all about the car. He will always have a special place in my heart. What a one-of-a-kind gentleman. My heart goes out to all of you as you prepared say, "farewell", to someone who means so much to you.
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Memorial Events
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Jan
12
Funeral services provided by:
Buchanan & Cody Funeral Home - Jacksonville Chapel1100 Lincoln Ave., Jacksonville, IL 62650
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