Ralph Wilbur Harsha, age 69 of rural Remington, passed away Wednesday, December 1, 2010 at Jasper County Hospital. Ralph was born July 18, 1941 in St. Anne, IL, son of the late Harley E. and Ethel (Bailey) Harsha. He attended school in Fair Oaks and had been a Jasper County resident since 1947.

On February 27, 1963 in Rensselaer, Ralph married Anita Williams and she survives. Ralph was the Head Custodian and Groundskeeper at Rensselaer Central High School for 33 years, retiring in 1997. He also drove a school bus for the Rensselaer Central School Corporation for 23 years. For the past 17 years, Ralph owned and operated the Little Creek Campground south of Rensselaer. Ralph loved camping, traveling and spending time with his family. He was a very outgoing person who never met a stranger.

Surviving in addition to his wife are 2 children, Brenda Harsha of Rensselaer and Mark Harsha of Portage; 3 grandchildren, McKenzie and Maxwell Harsha of Portage and Tillie Harsha of Oxford; 3 sisters, Agnes Elrod of Remington, Jean Scheurich of Monticello and Patricia Liersch of Rensselaer.

In addition to his parents, Ralph was preceded in death by his son David; 4 brothers, Jim, Albert, Jack and Edmond; and sister Judy Burns.

Friends may call on Saturday, December 4, 2010 from 1:00 P.M. until time of service at 6:00 P.M. at Steinke Funeral Home of Rensselaer with Rev. Brian Soloman officiating. Interment will be at a later date. The family suggests memorials to the American Cancer Society or the American Diabetes Association.

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