Ralph Gebes
Life cannot be fast forwarded or replayed as a video, but the fruits of our lives can exist in living memory to be replayed on-demand. Born July 11, 1942 to Frances (Lies) and George F. Gebes in Aurora, IL, Ralph Edwin Gebes’s episodic life provided such memories. Those replays became necessity when Covid 19 claimed Ralph’s life on Christmas Eve, December 24, 2020 at 10:30am while in ICU at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls, SD.
Growing up in Batavia, Illinois, Ralph’s life took him to many places both domestic and foreign. His father’s service to country in the WWII U.S. Navy and both George and Fran’s service to the community of Batavia and ideals of the United States created in Ralph an innate drive toward independence, innovation, and volunteerism.
After graduation from Marmion Military Academy in 1960, Ralph enlisted in the US Air Force and served as an electrician servicing B52s. His time in service took him to Iceland and Puerto Rico as well as a variety of assignments in the continental U.S. such as Denver, CO, Dayton, OH, Loring, ME and to Thailand during the Vietnam Conflict, servicing bombers. Wherever stationed, he made dear friends such as Col. Denny d’Alelio who, with Ralph, hosted a radio show Puerto Rico. Col. d’Alelio’s family became an integral part of his life as both AF men were simultaneously stationed in multiple parts of the country as members of Strategic Air Command (SAC).
Upon leaving the Air Force, Ralph attended Dayton University where he earned a degree in Psychology. Upon Ralph’s return to Batavia, he started a weekly newspaper, The Windmill Merchant, that provided the community with commercial and community items of interest. He later established Have Balloons Will Travel. Ralph reactivated Batavia Cares, a service originally supported by his mother to serve Batavians needs. Ralph’s commitment focused on sending packages to servicemen stationed in foreign lands. Later, he completed course work to become a substance abuse counselor.
Prior to those years, Ralph worked for the Boy Scouts of America, maintaining communication and leader training for scouting in the Fox River Valley, Illinois. Additionally, he served as manager and Quartermaster for VFW Post 1197, during which time he oversaw many of the organization’s multiple community support efforts.
Following the death of his parents, George and Fran, in 2015 Ralph left Batavia for a new life in Philip, SD, joining many of his cousins living in the area of his father’s youth. He quickly fell into the rhythm of his new life, enjoying coffee at the sale barn. Using his technological skills, Ralph started a business in converting VHS media to DVD’s. This led Ralph into doing videography and he filmed and videoed multiple community events, proudly sending the efforts of school and community events to friends and family. This became especially important during the Covid social distancing experience, where he helped to bring religious services to multiple homes. He volunteered to be a member of the Philip Fire Department where he formed more tight friendships, as well as continued to work with the American Legion in sending out packages to service men and women overseas. Like his parents and grandparents, he reveled in his garden, growing and preserving the fruits of his labors, ever ready to share his garden with others as well as his labor in the gardens of others. His pride in his adopted hometown became increasingly evident in his Facebook postings.
Ralph leaves his sister Barbara (Richard) of Batavia, brother Tom (Denise) of Littleton, CO and Arizona; several nieces and nephews: Cynthia Kaminsky, NH; Susan Heinrich, AK; John Kalina, NC; Marianne Kalina, WI; Paul Kalina, IA; Kristine Kalina, CN; Elyse Ingham, CO; Erin Gebes, WI; multiple grand-nieces and nephews; and a host of friends from the many episodes of his life.
On behalf of the family, we would like to make special mention for the tireless efforts of the ICU staff at Hans P Peterson Memorial Hospital, Philip, SD, Avera St. Mary's Hospital, Pierre, SD and Avera McKennan Hospital & University Health Center, Sioux Falls, SD. Donations or contributions may be made to some of Ralph’s favorites in his honor; Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Philip Volunteer Fire Department or The Philip American Legion.
Memorial services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, August 28, 2021 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Philip with Father Gary Oreshoski officiating.
Interment with military honors will be held 9:00 a.m. Monday, August 30, 2021 at Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis.
Arrangements are with Rush Funeral Home of Philip.
