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Ralph C. Sunkel
Date Of Birth:November 3, 1947
Date Of Death:February 26, 2012
Service Date:Funeral services for Ralph will be held at 2:00 pm on Monday, March 5, 2012 at Ruestman-Harris Funeral Home in El Paso. Rev. Shelly Forrest will officiate. Visitation will be held two hours prior to the service at the funeral home. Burial will follow the service at the Hudson Cemetery.

Ralph C. Sunkel

Gridley-Ralph C. Sunkel, 64, of Gridley, IL passed away at 1:15 pm on Sunday, February 26, 2012 at his residence.

He was born November 3, 1947 in Bloomington, IL a son of Charles Turner and Naida "Marguerite" Stewart Sunkel. He was married to Ruth Rinkenberger and Liz Archer.

Surviving are his children, Charles "CT" Sunkel of Gridley and Matthew Sunkel of Lincoln; three grandchildren, Collin and Alexander Sunkel both of Minonk and Antonio Sunkel of Clinton; one sister, Margaret Ellen Wright of Jacksonville, FL; and one step sister, Linda Fagerburg of Goodfield.

He was preceded in death by his parents and step father, Wayne Fagerburg.

Ralph served his country in United States Navy during the Vietnam War.

He was a pipefitter and steamfitter for local #99 for 38 years. Ralph truly loved what he did and enjoyed teaching his trade to the next generation through welding and pipefitting classes. He was a member of the VFW, American Legion, and Masonic Lodge. He liked riding motorcycles and was an escort with the Patriot Riders as well as a member of a local motorcycle group called the Hog Riding Fools.

Ralph was a loving dad, grandpa, brother, uncle and friend to many, and he will be greatly missed.

Funeral services for Ralph will be held at 2:00 pm on Monday, March 5, 2012 at Ruestman-Harris Funeral Home in El Paso. Rev. Shelly Forrest will officiate. Visitation will be held two hours prior to the service at the funeral home. Burial will follow the service at the Hudson Cemetery, where military rites will be accorded. The family requests casual attire. A potluck dinner will follow burial at the El Paso VFW post #6026.

Memorial contributions may be made to the family. Online condolences may be sent to the family at ruestmanharrisfuneralhome.com.
  • From: Bradley Hall
    Location:Chenoa, IL.

    So sorry to here of Ralph passing away. I had worked with Ralph years ago.

  • From: sandy 
    Location:clinton illinois.

    Very sorry for the loss of your father ct, and.matt. my heart hurts for tony that he will not be able to know his grandpa better then what he did. However memories that he may have will im sure be cherished. If i can do anything for your family please let me know. Tonys mawmaw.

  • From: Sandy & Larry (Bones) Harms
    Location:Carlock, IL.

    So sorry to hear of Ralph's passing. Fond memories of him will stay with us forever.

  • From: Ralph Gilmore
    Location:Aledo, IL

    Ralph's father was a first cousin of mine but I don't think I ever met Ralph. Nevertheless, my sympathies go out to his family. My prayers will be for them and their needs. I have many memories of his father, Charles, and all of Ralph's uncles when I would see them many years ago.

  • From: mike krutke
    Location:Waikiki Hi

    Ralph will be truly missed .I have know him for over 35 years an he was the first Pipefitter I worked with as a cub. I always enjoyed his humor an straight to the point taking care of a problem . He will be missed .

  • From: Jackie  (Hany) Beccue
    Location:Stanford illinois

    I am so sorry to hear of Ralph passing away. Your family is in my thoughts and prayer.

  • From: Alice Vandegraft
    Location:East Peoria, IL

    Margaret, I'm sorry to read that Ralph has passed away. May the Lord Bless you and the rest of his family with wonderful memories of him. Sincerely, Alice

  • From: Rick  Terven Sr
    Location:Annapolis Maryland

    Myself and our entire family send our condolences at the passing of a brother and friend. Ralph was a good mechanic at his trade and as others mentioned love to teach this trade as well as what a strong union person was. Ralph you will be missed by all that you touched. Fraternally Rick and family

  • From: Tim an Sharon Jacobs
    Location:Bloomington,IL

    CT We are so sorry for your lose if you need anything at all just call any time. I am sorry i did not get to know your dad more i am glad that Tim did get that chance to an he had a lot of great memorys he shared with me about your dad.

  • From: liz and bernie grant
    Location:charleston sc

    Our heartfelt sympathy is extended to Ralph's family. Rest in peace Ralph. Liz and Bernie Grant

  • From: Keith McNamara & family
    Location:Gridley, IL

    C.T and family...our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.

  • From: Bonnie Armstrong
    Location:El Paso, Illinois

    Margaret: Sorry for your loss. Just keep the memories of Ralph and it will help you get through this difficult time. My thoughts and prayers are with you.