STEELEVILLE – Ralph Wilson, 83, of Steeleville, passed away Friday, February 5, 2021, at St. Louis University Hospital, St. Louis, MO, with family at his side.  He was born April 29, 1937, in Bremen, IL, to Rudolph and Olinda (Beisner) Wilson.

Ralph married Patsy A. Petrowske June 28, 1958 at St. John's Lutheran Church in Bremen, IL.  Together they enjoyed spending time with family, playing cards with friends, attending church activities, going dancing and putting puzzles together.

Ralph and his wife owned and operated the Wilson Dairy Farm along with their two sons.  After retirement he worked part-time at Buchheit's in Sparta, IL for many years.  Ralph was a lifelong member of St. John's Lutheran church in Bremen where he served on the church council as well as various committees over the years.  He was a member of the Randolph County Farm Bureau and served on the Randolph County Water & Soil Conservation board.  Ralph also spent 13 years on the Board of Education for Steeleville Community Unit School District #138.  Earlier in his life he served in the Army from 1960-1965.  The first six months were in active duty and then the remainder of the time he served in the Army Reserves.  Ralph was a member of the BBK American Legion Post #480 in Steeleville, IL.  In October 2018 Ralph participated in the Veterans Honor Flight of Southern Illinois to Washington D.C.  His son Marland accompanied him on the venture.

Ralph is survived by his loving wife, Patsy, and two children, son Marland Wilson of Steeleville and daughter Karen (Tom) Modde of Lake St. Louis, MO, and two grandchildren, Cody Wilson of Steeleville and Ashly (Paul) Bert of Chester.  Ralph also had three beautiful great-grandchildren, Jaden and Miles Bert and Tinsley Wilson.  Daughter-in-law Cheri (Wilson) Colvis also survives.  Ralph will be missed by his many friends, cousins, and neighbors.  He was proceeded in death by his parents, sister Evelyn, and youngest son Ronald Wilson.

It was Ralph's wish to be cremated.  Visitation will be held Saturday, February 20, 2021,   11:00 – 1:00 pm at St. John's Lutheran Church, Bremen, IL with a private family services at     1 pm, with Reverend Brian Moeller officiating.  Burial will follow at church cemetery.  Memorials may be made to St. John's Lutheran Church, Cemetery Trust Fund, Bremen, IL and can be mailed to Wilson's Funeral Home, P.O. Box 217, Steeleville, IL 62288.  To sign the guestbook, visit www.wilsonsfuneralhome.net .  Due to executive order, face masks must be worn, and social guidelines must be followed.