Ralph A. Von Bokel

Monday, August 28, 2023  4:00-8:00 p.m.

Tuesday, August 29, 2023  9:00-10:30 a.m.

Moss Funeral Home, Breese

Tuesday, August 29, 2023

11:00 a.m.

St. Dominic Catholic Church, Breese

Ralph A. Von Bokel, age 89, of Breese, passed away Friday, August 25, 2023 at Cedarhurst of Breese.

He was born September 11, 1933 in Aviston, a son of the late Bernard and Catherine, nee Fuhler, Von Bokel.  On June 6, 1956, he married Mary Jane, nee Henrichs, Von Bokel and she preceded him in death on May 15, 2012.

In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by sons, Ronald and Kevin Von Bokel; son-in-law, Dr. Steven Helmink; brothers, Ferdinand (Helen) Von Bokel, Paul (Bernice) Von Bokel, Robert Von Bokel, and Bernard Von Bokel; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Frank and Anna, nee Kruep, Henrichs; and brothers-in-law, Art Fuehne, Roger Henrichs, and Art Rensing.

Ralph is survived by his children, Dale (Cathy) Von Bokel of Pocahontas, Donna Von Bokel of Highland, Mike (Brenda) Von Bokel of St. Jacob, Daniel (fiancée Samantha Peters) Von Bokel of Breese, Ralph (Lora) Von Bokel Jr. of Pocahontas, Jeff (Teresa) Von Bokel of Breese, Geralyn (Dale) Albers of Bartelso, Glen (Norma) Von Bokel of Carlyle, Lori Von Bokel-Amin of Memphis TN, Lisa  Helmink of Breese; 36 grandchildren,  Eric (Marta), Brittany, Cody (Kelsey), & Marcus Von Bokel, Jason Seiffert and Jessica Von Bokel, Amber (Scott) Poettker, Chase (Chynna), & Levi (friend Ali Wall) Von Bokel, Kara (Kyle) Hilmes, Jared, and Justin Von Bokel, Jacob (Katie), Jordan, Joshua, and  Joey Von Bokel, Alex (Brenna), Ryan, Emily, Gregory, and Derek Von Bokel, Kristen (Nick) Fuehne, Matt, Vivian (friend Ryan Wade), and Patrick Albers, Aaron (Taylor), Curt (Jeralyn), Brett (Lindsey), Erika, Chad, and Allison Von Bokel, Faris and Zain Amin,  and Katie, Sam, and Nick Helmink; 33 great-grandchildren; sisters, Mary Schulte and Betty Von Bokel of Aviston; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Dolores Von Bokel of Aviston, Mary (Ken) Bolhofner of Aviston, Gervase “Gerp” (Dolores) Henrichs of St. Rose, Patricia Fuehne of Albers, Lorraine Henrichs of St. Rose, Ruth Ann Rensing of New Douglas, and Jim (Carol) Henrichs of Highland; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Ralph's life was characterized by his unwavering dedication to farming. He spent a lifetime nurturing the land, tending to dairy, grain, chicken, and hog farming. With a commanding presence and a knack for leadership, he guided his family through the rigors of farm life, ensuring a strong work ethic and a sense of togetherness.

His interests were as diverse as his character. Ralph was a dedicated beekeeper, a skilled euchre player, and a devout Catholic. However, his most profound joy came from his time spent with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, relishing every moment and creating cherished memories.

Ralph was actively engaged in his community, a testament to his generous spirit. He was a member of St. Dominic Catholic Church, Breese Knights of Columbus 2869 (where he once held the position of Grand Knight), Knights of Columbus 4th Degree Bishop Althoff Assembly, Clinton County Farm Bureau, and Mid America Dairy Association.

Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be Tuesday, August 29, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Dominic Catholic Church in Breese with Fr. Patrick Peter presiding.  Interment will follow at St. Dominic/St. Augustine Cemetery, Breese.

Visitation will be Monday, August 28, 2023 from 4:00-8:00 p.m. and again on Tuesday, August 29, 2023 from 9:00-10:30 a.m. at Moss Funeral Home in Breese.

The Breese Knights of Columbus and 4^th Degree Althoff Assembly will hold service at 6:00 p.m. Monday evening at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, plants, and other gifts, memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, Epilepsy Foundation, Mater Dei Catholic High School, or St. Dominic Catholic Church and will be received at the visitation or by mail, Moss Funeral Home, 535 N. 5th St. Breese, IL 62230, who is serving the family.