Ralph Walter Papke, 97, passed away February 27, 2026, in Rochelle, Illinois. He was born October 8, 1928, in Gary, Indiana, the son of Frank Albert and R. Elenora (Carlson) Papke.

Ralph proudly served his country in the United States Army from 1946 to 1947.

Following his military service, Ralph demonstrated a strong entrepreneurial spirit and work ethic throughout his life. He co-founded the Rochelle Lumber Yard and was actively involved in its operation for many years. He was also employed by Carnation (now Nestlé) and owned and operated multiple rental properties in the Rochelle area. Later in his career, he served as Head of Security at Founders Memorial Library at Northern Illinois University, where he was respected for his reliability and dedication. Ralph was an active member of the Kiwanis Club for over 65 years. He was also a member of Faith Lutheran Church in Rochelle, VFW Post 3878 in Rochelle, and the American Legion.

On June 13, 1953, he married Phyllis Groop in Crystal Falls, Michigan. She preceded him in death on September 6, 2001. He later married Edna Isley in October of 2006. She preceded him in death on January 30, 2015.

He was also preceded in death by three siblings, Marjorie Stangebye, Frank Papke, and Doris Blaney; and by two special friends, Della Johns and Rose Larson.

He is survived by five children: Christine (David Kuhn) Myroth of DeKalb, Illinois; Nancy Heine of Hampshire, Illinois; Stephen (Patricia) Papke of Jasper, Georgia; Ross (Beth) Papke of Lake Zurich, Illinois; and Mark Papke and his former wife, Mary Beth Papke, both of Rochelle, Illinois.

He is further survived by his grandchildren: James Heine; Jacqueline (Joe) Hampton; Melissa (Andrew) Jordan; Christina Heine; Andrew (Meghan) Papke; Chadwick (Carolyn) Papke; Emily Papke; Bryce Papke; Dylan Papke; Gwendolyn Papke; Troy Papke; Benjamin Papke; and Amanda Papke. He is also survived by eight great-grandchildren.

A public visitation will be held from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. Tuesday March 3, at the Unger-Horner Funeral Home in Rochelle, Illinois. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday March 4th, at Faith Lutheran Church in Rochelle, Illinois, with Pastor Joy Alsop officiating. Military honors will be provided by the United States Army and the Eastern-Lee Ogle Honor Guard.

Memorials may be made to the family. Ralph will be cremated and buried next to Phyllis in Michigan at a later date.