Ralph D Dralle

RALPH DRALLE

Ralph Dralle, born Easter Sunday, April 1, 1923 passed away March 8, 2014. As a previous resident of Frankfort,Il and member of St. Peter's United Church of Christ, he was president and publisher of BigFarmer magazine, Woman's Golfer Magazine and owner of National Farm Data Bank; the largest data bank of farmers, ranchers and growers. He pioneered the first gathering of farm demographics which included crops by size of acreage, livestock by numbers, farm income, tractors, trucks and combines. Helped establish the first permanent library location in Frankfort and on the library board. Vice President of Farm Journal magazine. Building committee of Frankfort Methodist Church. Site committee for Lincoln-Way East and a 3rd site south on Cedar, and Frankfort post office, United States Marine Corp,

Graduate of University of Illinois, member of Farmhouse Fraternity, state livestock judge, traveled as a representative for Earl Butz, the Secretary of Agriculture, to Russia and Amsterdam, board of director for Joliet Junior College, Silver Cross Hospital foundation board. He was a philanthropist and established scholarship funds at Lincolnway Central High School, Lincolnway East High School, Providence High School, Farm House Fraternity and Pi Beta Phi Sorority. He also established the Dralle Serenity Garden at Silver Cross Hospital in New Lenox, IL and was a dedicated Chicago Cubs fan.

As a resident of Naples, Florida he was a member of the Naples United Church of Christ, University of Illinois alumni club of Naples. Enjoyed golf and retirement.

Ralph was preceded in death by his loving wife of 56 years, Phyllis Ann (Beaver) Dralle, 2004, his loving daughter, Sherry Lee Dralle Miller 1975. He was preceded in death by his parents Edwin and Amanda Dralle. He is survived by four daughters, Susan (Stephen) Swinton , Judith (Steven, deceased 2000) Joss, Jill (Jon) Grobeck , Rebecca (Dennis) Cleveland , son-in-law, Andrew (Karen) Miller. Thirteen grandchildren, Kimberly (Jeff) Grobaski, Kameron (Megan) Swinton, Kristiaan Swinton, Erik (Laura) Joss, Kirk (Catherine) Joss, Kyle Joss, Jennifer Grobeck, Jessica (Steven) Nelson, Britt (Katrina) Cleveland, Clayton Cleveland, Parker Cleveland, Carson Cleveland, Cody Cleveland. Six great-grandchildren, Mason Grobaski, Finley Grobaski, Hadley Swinton, Emerson Swinton, Charlotte Cleveland, Crosby Cleveland. Sister-in-laws, Irma (David, deceased 1992) Dralle, Beverly (Alan, deceased 1981) Schrader.

Family will receive friends at Kurtz Memorial Chapel, 65 Old Frankfort Way, Frankfort, IL 60423, Friday March 14th, 2014 from 4:00 to 8:00 PM and again at St. Peter's United Church of Christ 12 West Sauk Trail, Frankfort, IL 60423 on Saturday, March 15th, 2014 from 10:30 AM until time of funeral service at 11:00 AM. Interment, Pleasant Hill Cemetery, Frankfort, IL. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Ralph Dralle Scholarship Fund at Lincolnway East High School or St. Peter's United Church of Christ Elevator Fund. For information, www.kurtzmemorialchapel.com or 815-806-2225.