Ralph Tatge, 98, of Stronghurst, IL passed away peacefully at Oakwood Estates in Stronghurst, IL on January 1, 2025. He was born on April 13, 1926, in Elgin, IL, to John and Ida Schultz Tatge. Ralph was preceded in death by his mother at the age of 6 and was later raised in Rozetta by Walter B. and Louise “Lou” Alexander Gregory , and their daughter Louise Gregory Carlson and her husband Vincent Carlson, when he was 9 years old. Ralph was a veteran of the United States Army and served in General Patton’s 4th Armored Division during World War II, a chapter in his life that he carried with him with great pride.
On November 27, 1948, Ralph married Darlene Hustead, and she survives him. Ralph was a dedicated husband, father, and grandfather. He attended school in Biggsville and graduated from Stronghurst High School, and later became an active member of Stronghurst Christian Church, where he served as Deacon and Elder for several years. Ralph owned and operated Home Appliance Store in Stronghurst for over 30 years. He served on the Booster Club, and was instrumental in bringing a family physician to Stronghurst. He also served as Deputy Coroner for Henderson County for over 40 years, and was on the board of directors for Oak Lane Nursing & Rehab and Oakwood Estates Assisted Living Center, and was significant in their construction. He had served as a volunteer fireman for MST Fire Department and was president of the Stronghurst Volunteer Ambulance Service for many years.
Ralph is survived by his wife, Darlene, and their three daughters: Jennifer (Ron) Schaley of Stronghurst, Carol (Don) Gardiner of Bloomington, IN, and Barbara (Michael) Leatherwood of Mineral, Virginia. He leaves behind 11 grandchildren: Brendan Schaley, Krista Forbes, DeeAnn Tate, Jana Nelson, Mark Gardiner, Alison Matte, Alex Gardiner, Alan Gardiner, Justin Leatherwood, Brooke Tanner, and Joy Leatherwood; 30 great-grandchildren, and one great great grandchild. Ralph also leaves one brother, Edwin Tauge, and one sister, Aleen Boyden, along with several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Ida Tatge; sisters Ruth Hess, Lois Shelangouski, and Louise Carlson; brothers Donald Tatge and Howard Tatge; and one infant great-grandchild, Eli Matte.
Ralph’s family and friends will remember him for his strength, resilience, and the love he gave freely to those around him. He will be greatly missed but never forgotten.
The family will receive friends from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, January 7, 2025 at Banks & Beals Funeral Home in Stronghurst.. The funeral will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, January 8th at the Stronghurst Christian Church. Burial, with military honors, will follow in Stronghurst Cemetery. Friends and family are invited to return to the church after the internment for food and fellowship. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be made to Oakwood Estates Retirement Village, Stronghurst Christian Church and Stronghurst – Raritan Volunteer Ambulance Service. Please visit Ralph’s obituary at banksandbeals.com to leave a condolence.
