Ralph Master

Ralph Eugene Master, 87, passed away peacefully at his home in Washington, IL on December 21, 2021.

On September 9, 1934, Ralph was born in Winamac, IN, to Roy and Florence (Tyler) Master.   He grew up on a farm and later married Norma Peters on October 28, 1956, in Lake Bruce, IN.  They were married for over 59 years before Norma passed away unexpectedly in 2015.  Ralph and Norma were members of the Evangelical United Methodist Church in Washington.

Surviving are their five children, Harold (Cyndy Frietsch) Master of Mackinaw, Brenda (Bill Bayler) Wileman of Washington, Ron (Bonnie) Master of Pekin, Becky Lauss of Washington and Roger (Kim) Master of Saint Joseph, IL.  Also surviving are 13 grandchildren Casey Master, Courtney (Dan) Stockton, Kirby Master, Alecia (Trevor) Craig, Ryan Master, Rachael Master, Ashley Wileman, Britani Master, Nick (Katie) Lauss, Tori (Malik) Harrison, Austin Wileman, Kyler Master, and Jayden Master; one great-granddaughter Harper along with his loyal canine companion CoCo.

Ralph honorably served in the U.S. Army.  Ralph obtained his Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering from Purdue University in 1956 and later received his Masters Degree in Engineering Administration from Bradley University in 1970.  Ralph began his career at Caterpillar in East Peoria in Transmission Design in 1956, after over 43 years, he retired from the GO building as Central Purchasing Manager in 2000.

Ralph was active as a baseball coach for NTRA in Sunnyland and served on the District #50 school board for several years. He was an avid St. Louis Cardinal Baseball fan and a Bradley Braves Basketball fan (men and women) along with being a Purdue University Football and Basketball fan.  He was a Bradley season ticket holder for 35 years.  He enjoyed bowling, golfing, fishing, and mushroom hunting.  Ralph and Norma bowled in a senior league two days a week, and Ralph golfed in several golf leagues 3-4 days a week.  They loved to spend time with family and friends at their cabin in Minnesota. Ralph and Norma were very proud of their grandchildren and loved following them around at numerous sporting events and were their biggest fans.

The family would like to thank Home Instead Senior Care and OSF Hospice for the love, companionship and compassion shown throughout this difficult time.

Visitation will be Tuesday, December 28, 2021, from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm at Mason-White Funeral Home in Washington.  A funeral service will be 10:00 am Wednesday also at the funeral home.  Burial will follow at Glendale Cemetery in Washington. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.  To share a memory or send a condolence to his family, visit www.masonfuneralhomes.com.  Mason-White Funeral Home in Washington is assisting with arrangements.