Ralph Gaulke

Ralph Gaulke, 92, of Cary, most recently of Crystal Lake, was born September 14, 1926 in Barrington to Ralph and Ella (nee Altenburg) Gaulke. He passed away peacefully on Wednesday, September 26, 2018 in Algonquin.

Ralph married the love of his life, MaryAnn (nee Soos) in 1949. They spent 58 years together in their house on the river. He was very devoted to his family, being a mentor to his children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and nine siblings. Ralph was a life-long member of St. Paul UCC of Barrington and spent many years supporting the operations of the church. He was also a member of the Plumbers Local 93 (130) Union for 68 years. Ralph was a stand-out athlete at Barrington High School in baseball, basketball and football. He enjoyed playing golf; his love of the game started as a caddy at Barrington Hills Country Club. Later in life, he achieved two holes-in-one. He was a WWII Army veteran and a proud Honor Flight recipient in 2011.

Ralph is survived by his children, Ralph Dennis (Jane) Gaulke, Barbara (John) Sullivan, Jan (Brian) Murphy, Mark (Cathy) Gaulke, and Kathy (Bob) Smietana; his grandchildren, Robert (Karen), Timothy, Bryan (Samantha Brooks), Kirsten (Kevin), Sarah, Meghan (Patrick), Sean (Veronica), Kathleen (Vojta), Sophie, Eli, and Marel; his nine great grandchildren; his siblings, Donna (Jake Weseman) Wilson, Benjamin Peter Gaulke, Carol (Al) Gordon, and Judy (Gene) Randle; and many nieces and nephews.

Ralph “Fat” was preceded in death by his wife, MaryAnn Gaulke; his siblings, Robert Gaulke, his twin, Rollin “Teeny” Gaulke, Mary Schumacher, Richard (Marian) Gaulke, and Joan “Cissie” (Chuck) Greenwood; his great granddaughter, Ashley Marie; and his parents.

A visitation will be held from 4-8pm, Monday, October 1, 2018 at Davenport Family Funeral Home, 419 E. Terra Cotta Ave., Crystal Lake. Visitation will continue at 10am until time of funeral service at 11am, Tuesday, October 2, 2018 at St. Paul United Church of Christ, 401 E. Main St., Barrington. Burial to follow at Windridge Memorial Park in Cary.

Memorial contributions may be given to St. Paul United Church of Christ, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital www.stjude.org or a charity of your choice.