Ralph L. Coffey

Ralph Lewis Coffey, 92, of Galesburg, died at 12:22 p.m. Tuesday, June 1, 2021 at Seminary Manor, Galesburg. Ralph was born August 1, 1928, in Galesburg, the son of Lyle Francis and Charlotte Lorraine (Donaldson) Coffey.  As a youth, Ralph worked on the family farm.  Ralph served in the US Army from November 10, 1950 until he was honorably discharged on November 10, 1952.  An avid outdoorsman, Ralph enjoyed fishing, hunting, trap shooting, and worked as a fur buyer.  He was also an avid pool player.  Ralph owned and operated Coffey’s Catfish Bait.  While living in California, Ralph was an auctioneer at Auction City in Roseville, CA. Ralph married Mildred Isabel Benadom on December 31, 1950, in Bettendorf, IA.  They had two children, Craig Coffey of Yorkville, IL and Margo Archie of Galesburg.  Mildred preceded Ralph in death in 1997.  Ralph is also survived by three grandsons, Jeffrey Dahl, Robert Coffey, and Phillip Coffey; and two great granddaughters, Brooklynn Coffey and Phoebe Craig.  Along with his wife and parents, Ralph was preceded in death by one brother, Dale; and one sister, Lorraine. Cremation will be accorded.  Graveside services will be Saturday, July 31, 2021 at E. Linwood Cemetery, Galesburg with a luncheon to follow at the Thomas Legacy Center.  Ralph and Mildred will be buried together at East Linwood Cemetery, Galesburg.  Arrangements have been entrusted to Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg.