Ralph Boksa’s first dance with Dorothy Brott was Dec. 4th, 1948 to “Slow Boat To China”, and they never looked back. They married in 1950 and raised their family in the family home in Leyden Township, IL.
Ralph died in Lincoln, IL. Sept. 13, 2022 at age 93 from complications due to pneumonia and Parkinson’s disease. Ralph was born Oct. 15, 1928 to Joseph and Maria Boksa. He graduated from East Leyden High School, Franklin Park, IL in 1946.
Ralph had a wrench in his hand for a total of 40 years, owning the Sinclair Service Station in Des Plaines, IL and then later working at the River Grove Public Works. After retiring in 1990 he traded his wrench for traveling, golfing, fishing and photographing 49 states from a travel trailer, this included two trips to Alaska. They flew to Hawaii to complete traveling to all the states. After retirement they had homes in Arkdale, WI and Mesa, AZ, and in 2003 they moved permanently to Mesa. Three years ago they relocated to Lincoln, IL to be closer to family.
Ralph enjoyed time with family and friends, fishing in WI, sharing sights and scenery in AZ, wood carving and playing golf, which he frequently did after turning 62. He was very proud of his two holes-in-one. Ralph loved photography and was a member of different clubs throughout his life. He won various club awards and had two of his photographs featured in the Kodak Picture of the Day in Time’s Square.
Ralph will always be remembered for the many quotes and sayings he frequently shared. A fitting one he liked to end with now is, “Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well- preserved body. But rather, to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming........................................................... WOW what a ride.”
Ralph is survived by his wife Dorothy (Dot) of 71 years, daughter Karen (Mark) Thompson, Buffalo, IL; daughter-in-law Bonnie (Stan) Zuidema, Green Bay, WI; grandsons Ben Thompson, Goose Creek, SC and Charlie Thompson, Monticello, IL; granddaughter Brenda (Johnny) Nielsen, West Salem, WI and great-grand children Jack and Gracie.
Ralph was preceded in death by his parents, sons, Will & Wayne Boksa, and granddaughters Maria Thompson and Megan Thompson.
He will be buried next to his parents in Mount Emblem Cemetery, Elmhurst, Il.
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