Ralph Henry Steinbarth

Ralph Henry Steinbarth
Palm Beach Gardens - Ralph Henry Steinbarth (RHS), 94, passed away peacefully at home in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida on June 25, 2021. He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 39 years, Lois Ann (née Arata); his parents, Henry and Adelaide (née Andrzejewski); and his brother, Bill (Ann). Ralph was surrounded by family and long-time companion, Sue Johnson. He is survived by his children, Loral Valley (Mark), Rich (Sharon), Diane Grigas (Breck), and David (Amy). Proud grandfather, "Ompi," of John Valley (Shannon) and Anne Valley (Brad Collins), Tom Steinbarth (Kim) and Mike Steinbarth (Kayleigh), Matt Grigas and Sarah Proctor (Cody), and Gigi, Meg and Veronika Steinbarth. Great-Grandfather of Rosie Valley, Opal Collins, Nathan and Dominic Steinbarth, Cole Steinbarth, and Henry Grigas.
Ralph was the son-in-law of the late John and Corrine (née Sheehan) Arata; brother-in-law of the late Camille Senica (Emil); and uncle of Mary Cleef (Albert), Hannah and William, Ralph and Brenda Steinbarth.
Ralph was born June 25, 1927, on Chicago's Southwest Side. He attended St. Rita High School. After graduation, Ralph and life-long friend Frank O'Grady enlisted in the Navy and served in WWII in Guam. After the War, Ralph attended Illinois College where he met Lois. They were married in 1949 at St. Margaret of Scotland Catholic Church in Chicago, IL. Ralph and Lois lived in Beverly where they raised their family and made many friendships that continued after their move to Hinsdale. Throughout his life, Ralph deeply cherished his family and friends.
Ralph was the Founder and Chairman of La Preferida, which began in 1949. His determination and vision grew the company from his father's food store into a national brand. He provided his family the opportunity to expand La Preferida to a fourth generation, with his children and grandchildren operating the business today.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 AM at St. Isaac Jogues Catholic Church, 306 W. Fourth St. Hinsdale, IL on July 29, 2021. Visitation will begin at 8:30 AM at the St. Isaac Jogues Parish Fireplace Room. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Maryville Golf Academy, 1150 N. River Rd., Des Plaines, IL 60016 and St. Rita High School, 7740 S. Western Ave. Chicago, IL 60620. A Celebration of Life will be held in Florida later this year. Interment will be private. Arrangements by Sullivan Funeral Home, Hinsdale, IL. 630-323-0275. Please support the Steinbarth Family by signing the online guestbook and tribute page at www.sullivanfuneralhomehinsdale.com.