Ralph A. Wallen

Ralph A. Wallen, 86, of Rockford passed away Monday, November 3, 2014 in his home. Born February 12, 1928, in Melbourne, Iowa, the son of S. Alva and Charlotte M. (Lents) Wallen. He spent his early childhood in Marshalltown, Iowa and moved to Rockford in June 1940. Graduated from Rockford East High School in 1946. Ralph married Margaret J. Moore on June 26, 1948. He served in the US Army. Ralph spent 28 years as a firefighter for the City of Rockford, retiring in 1982. He was an avid golfer, bowler and Chicago Bears fan.
Survived by his wife, Margaret; sons, Lawrence A. (Susanne), Hinesville, GA and John A. (Marie), Yorktown, VA; daughters, Katherine C. (Garry) Olson, Sacramento, CA and Marjorie J. Schone, Tigard, OR; grandchildren, Daniel (Pamela), James (Elke), Joseph (Milagros), Jeffrey (Bobbi), and Michelle Wallen, Mary (Bobby) Witcher and Jennifer Stai; four great grandchildren, three step great grandchildren, seven step great-great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his parents, brother, Howard, a niece and two nephews.
Funeral mass will be at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, November 7, 2014 at Holy Family Catholic Church. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until 10:45 a.m. at the church on Friday. Burial in Willwood Burial Park. Memorials may be made to the Rockford Retired Firefighters Association, 204 S. 1st Street, Rockford, Illinois 61104. Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, Mulford Chapel, assisted the family. To express online condolences, please visit: www.fitzgeraldfh.com.