Ralph E. Sauerhage

   Ralph E. Sauerhage, 91, of Oakdale, IL, born July 18, 1933, in Ava, IL, died Friday April 4, 2025, at his home surrounded by his family.

   Ralph was a grain farmer. He was a member of the American Legion Post 683 in St. Libory, IL, the National Rifle Association, and a United States Army veteran. Ralph enjoyed hunting, playing Euchre, and spending time with his family. Ralph always had a smile and never met a stranger. His jokes brought laughter to many and will forever be missed.

   He is preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Olinda, nee Beck, Sauerhage, 10 siblings, Adrian (Mary), Ernest (Evelyn), Charles, Lawrence, Troy (Annette) Sauerhage, Caroline (Charlie) McKinney, Kathleen (Ralph) Rueter, Roma (Elmer) Walker, Loretta (Stanley) Seering, Geraldine Steffen.

   Ralph is survived by his wife, Betty M., nee Wisely, Sauerhage, whom he married on December 5, 1959 at Zion Lutheran Church in Mascoutah, IL; two children, Rick (Lori Baynes) Sauerhage and Ritta (Jack) Knau, both of Oakdale, IL; five grandchildren, Cole Sauerhage, Matthew Sauerhage, James (Devika) Morrison, Devin and Brandon Knau; five great-grandchildren; two sisters-in-law, Helen Sauerhage of Coulterville, IL and Helen Sauerhage of Mascoutah, IL; brother-in-law, Earl Steffen; numerous nieces and nephews, also survived by his beloved pet, Jake

   Memorials may be donated to Hospice of Southern Illinois, 305 S. Illinois St., Belleville, IL 62220, or American Legion Post 683, 7236 State Route 15, St. Libory, IL 62282. Condolences can be sent to the family by visiting mollfunerlhome.com.

   VISITATION: From 4 to 8 PM Wednesday, April 9, 2025, and from 10 to 11 AM Thursday, April 10, 2025, at Moll Funeral Home in Mascoutah, IL.

   FUNERAL: A funeral service will be held at 11 AM Thursday, April 10, 2025, at Moll Funeral Home with Rev. Dr. Don Wagner officiating. Burial with military honors will follow in Mascoutah City Cemetery, Mascoutah, IL.