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BORN
1941
DIED
2021
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Robert Ralston Obituary
Galesburg - Robert E. "Bob" Ralston Sr., 80, of Galesburg, died unexpectedly on Friday, August 13, 2021, in La Crosse, Wisconsin.
He was born June 9, 1941, in Galesburg, the son of Harold W. and Helen M. (Dudgeon) Ralston. He married Linda C. McGarry on April 26, 1969, in Galesburg.
He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Linda; five sons, Robert E. (Cirilla) Ralston Jr. of Indianapolis, Scott Dean Ralston of Bushnell, Bradley W. (Jennifer) Ralston of Oneida, Kurtis M. (Lora) Ralston of Galesburg, and Kevin W. (Amber) Ralston of La Crosse; 12 grandchildren; eight great grandchildren; a brother, Lawrence (Dinah) Ralston of Ft. Myers, Florida; and an aunt, Shirley Heckel of Galesburg. He was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Ruth Ann (Way) Ralston; and a daughter, Robin Sue Ralston.
Bob first worked for Fox Construction as a concrete finisher. He then worked as an engineer for the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad for 30 years, before retiring.
Bob was a self-taught stained-glass artist. He enjoyed his model train set, old cars, antiques, and attending auctions. Most of all, Bob enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and family.
Visitation will be 1 to 2 p.m. Thursday, August 19, 2021, at Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Services Galesburg Chapel. Graveside service will follow in East Linwood Cemetery with Pastor Chris Nissley officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to Harmony Baptist Church. Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Robert Ralston
Sponsored by Hinchliff-Pearson-West, Inc., Galesburg.
4 Entries
Adam Reinebach
August 19, 2021
As a kid I was always excited to go visit the Ralston´s basement and see Bob´s elaborate train setup. Bob was always good to me, and when my entire family was in Galesburg for my grandfather´s funeral in 2016, Bob really made an impression on our son Evan. Really sad to hear of his passing. Praying for the family and especially Linda at this time
Tom Reinebach
August 19, 2021
Mary and I hosted Bob and Linda on a 4-day whirlwind tour of New York City to mark their 30th wedding anniversary in 1999. They did the typical things- Les Mis on Broadway, Empire State Building, Intrepid Museum, Statue of Liberty, and a Yankee game. But they also picked non typical stuff- Tavern on the Green, UN tour, Sardi´s, and in the audience at Letterman. They were good travelers and through a hectic 4 days they enjoyed being together and were fun to be with. Bob talked about the trip occasionally for years afterward and I was glad to have been part of it.
Mary Reinebach
August 17, 2021
My cousin Bob Ralston was 8 years older. When I was 8 I thought Bob was pretty cool. It didn´t matter that I had an asthma attack after Bob took my younger brother and I for a ride in his Ford convertible. It was just fun with Bob!
Tom Reinebach
August 17, 2021
In my last conversation with Bob when we visited Galesburg about a month ago he said to me that he was glad his boys had grown up to be responsible husbands and fathers. His 52-year marriage to Linda certainly set them the right example.
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Aug
19
Visitation
1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Hinchliff-Pearson-West, Inc., Galesburg1070 West Fremont Street, Galesburg, IL 61401
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Hinchliff-Pearson-West, Inc., Galesburg1070 West Fremont Street, Galesburg, IL 61401
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