Ralph M. Timm, 83, of Metamora, passed away on Oct. 23, 2024 at OSF Medical Center in Peoria.

He was born Dec. 3, 1940 in Ewing, Nebraska, to Harold I. and Mildred A. Timm. He married Pamela S. Miller in East Peoria, Illinois, on Nov. 24, 1966 in East Peoria, Illinois.

Surviving are his wife of 57 years, Pamela, of Metamora; three children, Lori of Atlanta, Ga., Larry (Robin) of Groveland, and Leslie (Chad) Paul of Peoria; three grandsons, Brad (Sophi) of East Peoria, Grayson of Groveland, and Spencer of Groveland; and a great-granddaughter. Ralph is survived by his brother, Larry Timm (Ann) of Kissimmee, Fla., and his sister, Roberta Buckley of Noblesville, Ind. His parents and a brother preceded him in death.

He held a bachelor's degree in elementary education from Illinois State University. He was a U.S. Army veteran and served in the Vietnam War.

Ralph said people make three critical decisions in life: what they will do with Christ, whom they will marry, and what their occupation will be. He chose well on all accounts. He and his wife became Christians in 1969 and he and Pam were active in their congregations ever since. Ralph taught adult Sunday school and was a role model to many young fathers.

He worked for Caterpillar Inc. for 35 years, the majority in the corporate traffic department.

Skilled with words, he loved poetry and often committed special poems to memory. He wrote his own humorous verse and authored a weblog that recounted his life. He sent many special letters and encouraging notes to family and friends.

He was enthralled with steam engines from his early days in rural Nebraska. An ardent rail fan, he had a deep knowledge of American railroad history and enjoyed riding the train to Chicago. He was a Union Pacific devotee and for many years had an elevated HO gauge model railroad that spanned hundreds of square feet in his basement.

He rooted for the Chicago White Sox through thick (World Series Champions 2005) and thin (this summer).

Most of all he enjoyed meals with family and friends from the Albany Street neighborhood and from church. For decades his house, with its side yard, was the site of volleyball games, homemade ice cream, and long chats in a circle of lawn chairs. He and Pam loved to host open houses, dinners and especially the annual Birthday Party for Jesus, with scores of people singing Christmas carols.

In a written reflection, he said, "My life has been rich ... a loving, faithful wife, cherished children who love and care for me, and grandsons who always have the time when I call."

Cremation rites have been accorded. A Memorial Service is scheduled for 11 am on Saturday, November 16, 2024, at Liberty Bible Church in Eureka. Pastor Tom Zobrist will officiate. Visitation will be one hour prior to his service also at the church. Memorials can be made to the Snyder Village Resident in Need Fund: https://www.snydervillage.com/resident-in-need-fund . Mason-White Funeral Home in Washington has been entrusted with arrangements.