Ralph John Tranel, 92, of 9077 N. Tranel Road, East Dubuque, IL, passed away on Tuesday, December 24, 2013, at home, surrounded by his family.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 A/M, Monday, December 30, 2013, at St. Mary's Church, East Dubuque, with his brother, Rev. Daniel Tranel, Rev. David Flanagan and Rev. Dean Smith concelebrating. Burial will be in the East Dubuque Cemetery.

Friends may call from 2 P/M to 8 P/M, Sunday, December 29th, and from 9 A/M to 9:45 A/M, Monday, December 30th, at St. Mary's Church, East Dubuque, where the parish rosary will be recited on Sunday at 1:40 P/M.

Ralph was born on December 27, 1920, the oldest son of Edward and Lucille (Kieffer) Tranel. After his father's death, Ralph took over the family farm at the age of 17 and helped his mother raise twelve siblings.

On October 17, 1945, he married Florence Susan Majerus. She preceded him in death on November 30, 2010.

Ralph was a member of St. Mary's Parish, East Dubuque, and served on the St. Mary's Parish Council. Ralph was a member of the Knights of Columbus. He served on the East Dubuque School Board and the East Dubuque Savings Bank Board. Ralph was also a member of the East Dubuque Business and Tourism organization. Ralph was president of the Jo Daviess County Farm Bureau for 18 years. He was instrumental in organizing the Menominee-Dunleith Fire Department where he served as trustee from the start. Ralph was elected as Dunleith Township Road Commissioner and he served the people of the township for 50 years. He also served as chairman of the Jo Daviess County Planning Committee.

Ralph dedicated his life to his faith, family, friends, farming, and his community. He loved to play cards, work with his horses, and spend time in his garden.

Together, Ralph and Florence raised 14 children, Janice (Don) Droessler, of Dickeyville, WI, Nancy (Steve) Strang, of Cascade, IA, Gerry (Bernie) Tranel, of Cuba City, WI, Terry (Beth) Tranel, of Bellevue, IA, Joyce (Tom) Conlan, of East Dubuque, IL, Norita Moorman, of Manchester, IA, Daryl (Mickey) Tranel, of Platteville, WI, Nick (JoAnn) Tranel, of East Dubuque, IL, Ken (Diane) Tranel, of Dubuque, IA, Marla Herrig, of Bloomington, IN, Connie (Tony) Berning, of Galena, IL, Mark (Kim) Tranel, of Dubuque, IA, Mary Schneider, of Cuba City, WI, and R.J. (Michelle) Tranel, of Potosi, WI.

Ralph was quick to remind his grandchildren to "get home before dark"! He will be sadly missed by 54 grandchildren; 6 step-grandchildren; and 50 great-grandchildren and two on the way.

Ralph is also survived by eight siblings, Richard (Donna) Tranel, Sister Norita Tranel, OSF, Sister Betty Tranel, SSPS, Marge Jahn, Sister Jean Tranel, OP, Fr. Dan Tranel, Ned (Virginia) Tranel, and Bert (Ann) Tranel.

Ralph was preceded in death by three brothers, Howard Tranel, Fr. Dorrance Tranel, and Roger Tranel; and a sister, Sister Danita Tranel, OSF; a sister-in-law, Lillian Tranel; and a brother-in-law, Gene Jahn.

Ralph was also preceded in death by two son-in-laws, John Moorman and Dave Schneider; and a great-grandson, Andrew Droessler.

The family wishes to express our deepest gratitude to Kelly Klinefelter for her care and dedication to our dad. She had a special connection with Ralph that did not go unnoticed.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be given to a favorite charity in Ralph's honor.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.millerfhed.com.