Ralph E. Bellm

Ralph E. Bellm, age 90 of Highland, IL, died Tuesday, December 31, 2013, at Saint Joseph Hospital in Highland, IL. He was born on Friday, September 07, 1923, in Highland, IL, the son of Eugene C. and Irene S. (nee Knebel) Bellm. On Saturday, November 22, 1947, he married Dorothy A. Bellm (nee Grimmer) who passed away on Thursday, November 02, 2006. He was a member of Saint Paul Catholic Church, Highland, IL, and the Knights of Columbus, Council 1580-Highland, IL. Born at Highland, IL; reared on a farm near Pierron, IL and attended Pierron Catholic School. He managed Churchill Trucking Company, St. Louis, MO, for most of his life and retired in the mid 1980's. He enjoyed farming; raised and showed Belgium horses at parades and harvest festivals. Very active with 4-H, especially the Satellite Horse Drill Team. He and his wife enjoyed travelling, travelled to all 50 states and Central Europe. He traded and collected Farmall tractors, including his father's early 1940's Farmall tractor. He was a great family man; was a "DO'ER" who got things done. He enjoyed a close relationship with many family and friends. Survivors include: Son - William J. (Eveline) Bellm, San Lorenzo, CA Daughter - Mary Jane (Fred) Waxler, Novato, CA Grandchild - Shannon M. (Paul) Pattillo, Citrus Heights, CA Great Grandchild - Nicholas M. Pattillo, Citrus Heights, CA Great Grandchild - Mason A. Pattillo, Citrus Heights, CA Brother - Roland W. "Rollie" (Lydia) Bellm, Highland, IL Brother - James W. G. Bellm, St. Louis, MO Brother - Eugene "Gene" (Vilma) Bellm, Seattle, WA Sister - Doris Jones, Saint Petersburg, FL Sister - Mary Ann (Russell) Koch, Highland, IL Numerous - Nieces, Nephews and Cousins He was preceded in death by: Father - Eugene C. Bellm (died 12/17/1957) Mother - Irene S. Bellm (died 6/27/1996) Wife - Dorothy A. Bellm (died 11/02/2006) Arrangements are being handled by Spengel-Boulanger Funeral Home in Highland, Illinois. Visitation will be held from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Thursday, January 02, 2014, at Spengel-Boulanger Funeral Home in Highland, IL, and from 8:00 AM to 9:30 AM, on Friday, January 03, 2014, at Spengel-Boulanger Funeral Home in Highland, IL. Funeral Mass will be at 10:00 AM on Friday, January 03, 2014, at Saint Paul Catholic Church in Highland, IL, with Father Scott A. Snider, Parochial Vicar, St. Paul Catholic Church, officiating. Interment will be at Saint Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Highland, IL. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Paul Catholic Church; St. Vincent De Paul Society; Meals On Wheels; or HACSM (Highland Food Pantry).

Ralph E. Bellm

September 7, 1923 - December 31, 2013