Ralph Walter Olmstead

OTTAWA - Ralph W. Olmstead, age 80, died peacefully on Saturday, January 9, 2010, with his family by his side following a courageous battle with Parkinson disease. He was born November 27, 1929, in Ottawa, IL, to the late Chester Smith and Grace Lucille (Hayward) Olmstead. He attended Harding Grade School and graduated from Ottawa High School in 1947. Ralph served 4 years in the Air Force before farming for 30 years near Sheridan, Illinois. He also worked 25 years at GE Plastics near Ottawa. Ralph has been an active member of the Lutheran Church serving as a Deacon at St. John's Lutheran Church in Somonauk, IL and at Faith Lutheran in Ottawa, IL. On November 25, 1956, he was united in marriage to Shirlee Blake in Ottawa, IL. Ralph was a devoted and loving Husband to Shirlee for over 53 years, Father to Mark (Debbie) and Craig (Karin) and a Grandfather (Papa) to Matt (17), Elsa (4) and Will (3). The family invites all of Ralph's family and friends to come and celebrate his life with them. A visitation will take place at Gladfelter Funeral Home, 1601 East Norris Drive, Ottawa, IL on Thursday, January 14th from 5-7 p.m. and the Funeral will be on January 15th at 10:30 a.m. at Faith Lutheran Church, 1611 Adams Street, Ottawa, IL. Interment will follow in Harding Cemetery. The family kindly requests that in lieu of flowers, a donation be made "in memory of Ralph Olmstead" to the Faith Lutheran Church, Parkinson's Disease Foundation or Harding IL Community Center.