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BORN
1926
DIED
2018
Ralph Fehling Obituary
Born: October 29, 1926
Died: January 18, 2018
Ralph Earl Fehling passed away on January 18, 2018 at the age of 91. Ralph was born on October 29, 1926 in Chicago to Helen Smith Fehling and Charles William Fehling.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Marie Vucko Fehling, who he was married to for 55 years; his parents; his brother, Richard; his daughter, Marcia Nalepa Mattes; and his son-in-law, Harold Mattes.
Ralph is survived by his son, Ronald Nalepa (Bonnie); his grandchildren, Bill Nalepa, Jill Nalepa Fischer (Paul), Brian Mattes, Jennifer Nalepa Williams (Mark), Jodi Nalepa Kling, Scott Mattes, and Tony Nalepa (Amy); his great-grandchildren, Laura Williams Kercinik (James), Robert Fischer (Melissa), Angela Fischer Dreisbach (Bradley), Kristen Fischer, Rebeca Kitchen, Teresa Kling, Samantha Kling, Michael Fischer (Kaitlyn), Devin Kitchen, Matt Williams, Cassandra Fischer, and Victoria Nalepa; and his great-great grandchildren, Lucas Kirner, Mila Fischer, and Lorelei Dreisbach; and his dear friend, Christine Peachy (Charles).
Ralph worked at the Illinois Tollway for many years. His previous jobs included Fuller Brush salesman, Walgreens soda counter, Milk delivery, shoe salesman, and florist.
Ralph was an extremely caring and giving man. He was known for handing out bananas, gum, and candy to everyone, even complete strangers, and greeting people with "Happy Monday". His generosity and positive attitude will be missed by all who knew him.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Ralph Fehling
3 Entries
Carolyn Wartinbee
March 31, 2018
After working for many years at the tollway with this unique man I thought of him often, and was later fortunate enough to enjoy an opportunity to speak to him again by telephone. His well-written obituary brought back wonderful work memories, among them the giant stuffed Sylvester T. Cat hanging up daily inside his tollbooth. The Chicago Tribune once printed a feature article about Ralph and his rare tollway work/life ethic. The spirited joy he emanated and smiles he brought to others will definitely not be forgotten. May his dear family and friends know their angel Ralph is up where he belongs.
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L.Lynn
February 10, 2018
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
February 1, 2018
Our condolences to the family. May God fulfill his promise of binding up the brokenhearted. Isa 61:1
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Chicago, IL
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