Ralph Arthur Rod

Princeton - Ralph Arthur Rod, 95, peacefully passed away July 27, 2024 at Liberty Village in Princeton, IL. Born December 17, 1928, in Mendota, IL, to Ross and Verna (Wendel) Rod. Ralph married Patricia Anne Roth March 31,1953 at Zion Lutheran Church in La Moille, IL, eloping during Pat's High School Easter Break. Ralph and Pat celebrated 60 years of marriage together. He was a class of 1946 graduate of Mendota High School and veteran of the United States National Guard. Ralph had a passion for farm life and even delivered his son, Darwin, while on the farm in LaMoille. He loved showing cattle and long supported 4-H, sponsoring their Reserve Grand Champion Trophy. Ralph would leave farming to partner with Charles Diller, C.E. Diller Implement of Princeton (Originally established in 1924), becoming Diller-Rod, Inc. in 1962. Ralph and Pat were Princeton Newcomers members since the 1960's - 2012, hosting annual Newcomers, Bridge, and Home Extension Christmas parties. They were the host family to daughter Petra Kugler, their German Foreign Exchange Student (1984-1985) and Grand Marshals for the 1996 Homestead Festival Parade. Ralph is recipient of the Robert L. Sorensen Summit Award (1995), the HC McCutchan Agricultural Service Award (2000), first recipient of the Citizen's First National Bank Volunteer of the Year Award (2002), and Perry Memorial Hospital Auxiliary Longest Membership Award (2018). One of Ralph's proudest accomplishments was being a sesquicentennial farm owner of the 5th oldest family farm in the county (1847). He was a Cub Scout Master and a life member of the Bureau County Fair, where his love of flowers won him many awards. His love for travel took him and Pat all around the world. Ralph touched the lives of many. He will be fondly remembered for his years of service and dedication to the community, being full of life, his laughter, and an always-welcoming smile. Ralph will also be remembered for his red socks, Halloween costumes and endless shenanigans. He is survived by three sons, Duane (Linda) Rod and Darwin (Alice) Rod, both of Princeton, and Dale Rod of Marco Island, FL; two daughters, Dawn Sluis and Diane Young, both of Princeton; grandchildren Amanda Pearson, Dustin Wolford, Jodi Fundell, Eric Rod, Dana Maynard, Chad and Todd Junis, Ryan, Sean, Sarah and Sabrina Rod, Dan, Kim and Jordan Sluis, Tori Anderson, Ashley Nevins and Austyn Maloy; 32 great grandchildren Magnus, Caden, Novalyne, Dario, Samuel, Lisa, Tristin, Laynie, Josiah, Lilly, Emily, Eli, Blake, Brynn, Makenzie, Gage, Sophia, Liam, Corbin, Mia, Olive, Benjamin, Luke, Maeve, Isaac, Braelyn, Addyson, Amy, Rhylan, Gray, Rush, and Jett; one great-great grandchild, coming February 2025; his special friend, Arlene Windt, brother-in-law, Robert Roth, and several cousins. Ralph was preceded in death by his parents and his wife, Patricia (2013), daughter, Donna Braida (2021), three brothers James, Alfred "Fritz" and Donald Rod, two sons-in-law Jay Braida and Craig Sluis and grandson, Joseph Sluis. Visitation will be Sunday, August 4, 2024, at Norberg Memorial Home, Inc & Monuments in Princeton, IL, from 1 pm to 5 pm. Funeral to be held at Norbergs on Monday, August 5, 2024, at 11:00 am with Pastor Royce Fundell officiating. Graveside services to follow at Oakland Cemetery, Princeton. Memorials may be directed to Bureau County 4-H and Extension, St Matthews Lutheran Church, or to the donor's choice. Online condolences may be given at www.norbergfh.com Arrangements by Norberg Memorial Home, Inc. & Monuments.

Ralph Arthur Rod

December 17, 1928 - July 27, 2024