Ralph Ernest Heide

Heide, Ralph MADISON- Ralph Heide, age 84, of Madison, previously of Calumet City, Ill., went to his eternal home on Saturday, Sept. 13, 2014, at Meriter Hospital, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on Feb. 1, 1930, in Chicago, Ill., the son of Herbert and Bennethea Heide. Ralph married Reggie Eberle on May 8, 1976, in Dyer, Ind. He served in the U.S. Army and retired from Inland Steel in East Chicago, Ind. after 43 years. Ralph was a very active member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in South Holland, Ill. His greatest love was spending time with his family, but he also loved his trains, enjoyed listening to Pavarotti and playing cards. He was an avid Chicago Cubs and Bears fan. Ralph is survived by his wife, Reggie; children, Judy (Edward) Johnson, Nicole (Cindy Johnson) Heide, Sarah (Rohan) Black, Monica Heide, Mark Heide and Rebecca (Dan) Slagle; very dear friend, Liam Wolf; grandchildren, Randall (Ashleigh) Johnson, Mikey (Ashli) Johnson and Heide Black; great-grandchild, Elena Johnson; loving family members, Charlie and Lore Baier, and their children and grandchildren; sister-in-law, Linda (Goo) Korba; brothers-in-law, Richard (Mickey) Eberle and Randall Eberle; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Herbert Jr.; infant grandson, Rohan Jr.; mother-in-law, Margaret Eberle; brother-in-law, Eugene Ehinger; and loving dog, Jack. A Celebration of Life will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, at 5 p.m., on Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2014, with the Rev. Jeff Vanden Heuvel officiating. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 1 p.m. until the time of the service on Wednesday. Ralph will be dearly missed by his family and friends. His family would like to extend a heartfelt “thank you” to his caregivers at Meriter for the exceptional care he received and the way he was treated like family. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com. Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care 5203 Monona Drive (608)221-5420