Laurence Eugene Ralston

Laurence Eugene Ralston was born 20 January 1926 at Swedish-American Hospital, Rockford, married Hazel Vivian Lundgren 28 June 1947 and died 29 July 2024.

Obituary

"Laurence "Larry" E. Ralston of Roscoe, Illinois, went to be with the Lord on July 29, 2024.

He was the great-great-grandson of Roscoe Township's first permanent settler, Robert J. Cross.

Born on January 20, 1926 to Kenneth M. and Evelyn (Belden) Ralston, he married the love of his life, Hazel Lundgren, on June 28, 1947 and began their life together at their current farm home on Swanson Rd., Harlem Township.

Larry and Hazel recently celebrated their 77th wedding anniversary.

They were blessed with daughters: Teresa Williams (Douglas McLaren), Cindy (Paul) Dennis, Diana Saverino, Marla (Doug) Price, and special son, Butch Harris.

Larry is also survived by brothers: Harold, Duane (Deanna); and dear sister: Mary Jane Alexander; as well as many nieces and nephews.

Larry and Hazel brought numerous foreign exchange students into the family from around the globe and enjoyed traveling to visit them through the years.

Larry is predeceased by his parents; brothers, Russell and David; special daughter, Kay Harris; son-in-law, Mike Saverino; and great-granddaughter, Olivia Saverino.

Larry's career included serving as Winnebago County Board Chairman and working for the Illinois Department of Revenue, but his lifelong love was farming on the Centennial Family Farm. He raised crops, cattle, and later loved raising a large flock of sheep and showing prized registered Suffolk Sheep.

He and Hazel took a part of the sheep farm to develop Shepherd Hills subdivision.

During his life, he was a member of the Farm Bureau, Harlemites, First Evangelical Free Church, as well as local, state, and national Case tractor clubs. He was an antique tractor collector, at one time having 16 tractors and numerous pieces of equipment.

Larry was a proud graduate of Harlem High School, class of 1942.

Although he couldn't carry a tune, Larry loved music and loved to sing. He enjoyed playing the banjo and harmonica.

He and Hazel had many travel adventures and for years spent winters at South Padre Island where they made special friendships.

In 2009 Larry, Hazel, and the family expanded their gardens and opened The Little Red Shed on their homesite to sell their produce. He absolutely loved visiting with customer-friends, especially sharing his gardening expertise and exchanging stories. He was extremely proud of the delicious sweet corn he raised; locals raved about it as being the best around, even sending it across the country!

The family wishes to thank the OSF Palliative Care and Hospice teams for their loving care, specifically Amy, Lydia, Mikaya, Melissa, Allison, and Alvin. We couldn't have navigated these days without their support.

A memorial service is planned. Memorial donations may be made to Harlem-Roscoe Fire Protection District, Roscoe Township Historical Society, or your favorite charity."