Ralph E. Wilt

Ralph E. Wilt, 71, of Galesburg, died at 4:10 p.m. Wednesday, February 6, 2019 at OSF St. Francis Medical Center, Peoria. Ralph was born April 14, 1947 in Galesburg, the son of Carl E. and Bernadine M. (Stanton) Wilt. He married Mary E. Walker on October 10, 1976 in Galesburg. Ralph is survived by his wife of 42 years, Mary of Galesburg; three sons, Alan (Carrie) Wilt of Knoxville, David (Lorna) Wilt of Peoria, and Aaron (Andrea) Wilt of Galesburg; one sister, Anna (Joel) Strader of Galesburg; eight grandchildren and two great grandchildren. Ralph was preceded in death by his parents. Ralph’s passion was welding and blacksmithing. He worked as a welder at Butler Mfg. for over 30 years and taught welding at Carl Sandburg College for 20 years, retiring in 2015. Ralph served in the US Navy. Ralph was a true family man. He will be remembered as a great husband, dad, brother, grandpa, and friend. He also enjoyed being outdoors fishing. Cremation rites will be accorded. A celebration of life will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, February 16, 2019 at Elks Lodge #894, 1640 N. Henderson St., Galesburg, IL. Arrangements have been entrusted to Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the VFW or the Elks Lodge.