Ralph A. Hermann

Ralph Hermann, 83 of Cornell passed away August 14th at the ARC in Streator. 

Visitation will be from 12:00-2:00 on Monday, August 19th at the First United Methodist Church, 201 South Monroe, Streator. Funeral services to follow at 2:00 pm. Burial will be in Phillips Cemetery, Manville. 

Born March 15, 1941, in Streator, Ralph was the son of Kenneth & Mildred (Bedei) Hermann. He married Shirley Nelson on September 24, 1966, in Dwight, IL.

He is survived by his wife, Shirley, 2 sons, Rich of Newark, IL and Jeff (Alicia) of East Peoria, and grandchildren, Aiden and Mariah Hermann. Also surviving is his sister, Shirley Donath (Bill) of Lincoln, IL, sisters in law, Sandy Nelson of Gallatin, Tennessee and Helen Nelson of Longview, Texas, and several nieces and nephews. 

He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother Richard.

Ralph graduated from Streator High School and Bradley University. He went on to work as a Civil Engineer for the Illinois Department of Transportation in various divisions including Materials, Bureau of Construction, Planning, and Design until his retirement in 1998 after 34 years of service. While at IDOT, Ralph was honored with a 1990 Federal Highway Administration Merit Award for Highway Design Excellence with the reconstruction of IL Route 71 through sensitive areas of Starved Rock State Park. He then went on to serve as the Public Works Director for the City of Streator for approximately 8 years. 

Ralph was an active member of the First United Methodist Church of Streator where he served on numerous committees, including serving as Trustee Chairman of the Facilities Committee. Ralph also served as Board Member at Streator Unlimited. Additionally, Ralph served on the Woodland CUSD #5 school board for 14 years, where he was dedicated to ensuring educational excellence for the students and community. 

Ralph enjoyed studying the Native American Indian culture and took many trips to the southwestern US to hike and explore ancient ruins. Ralph also enjoyed boating, skiing and camping with his family. Ralph was an avid Bradley Braves basketball fan and loved telling stories of the glory days at Robertson Memorial Fieldhouse. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Streator Unlimited or Lightways Hospice in Joliet, IL