Ralph E. Woodard passed away at 1:05 a.m., Saturday, April 28, 2012 at Provena Covenant Medical Center, Urbana.

A funeral mass will be held 10:00 a.m., Monday, April 30, 2012 at St. Patrick Roman Catholic Church, Urbana. Fr. Joseph Hogan will officiate. A visitation will be held Sunday, April 29, 2012 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Renner-Wikoff Chapel 1900 S. Philo Rd., Urbana and at the church from 8:30 a.m. until the time of service on Monday. Burial will be in Mt. Olive Cemetery, Mayview, IL.

Ralph E. Woodard was born in rural Jasper County on July 20, 1921. Following his farming upbringing and service in the Army Air Corps in World War II, Ralph attended and graduated from the University of Illinois in 1950.

Ralph's marriage to Betty Holzem in 1949 was the beginning of a family, which grew to 6 children, Scott E. (Nancy) Woodard of Clarendon Hills, IL, Keith O. (Adrienne) Woodard of Charlottesville, VA, Daryl J. (Linda) Woodard of Tulsa, OK, Mark A. (Debbie) Woodard of Pittsburg, PA, Paul Q. (Laura) Woodard of Madison, WI, and Nancy B. (Phil) Weber of Allentown, PA; 21 grandchildren; and one great grandson; two brothers, Charles Woodard and Elmer Woodard; and two sisters, Audrey Dart and Dorothy Weber. He was preceded in death by a brother, Austin Woodard and a sister, Rosemary Weber.

Then residing in St. Joseph, Ralph sold insurance for several years before starting his own insurance and real estate business in 1964. Ralph's interest in real estate led him into development projects and numerous subdivisions in St. Joseph . He enjoyed the challenges of development and the satisfaction of helping many new homeowners.

Ralph was active in leading Cub Scout Pack 40 for many years. His love of the outdoors, hiking, and nature was endless. Ralph loved farming all his life and enjoyed walking the fields, chatting with his farming friends, and watching the crops grow and mature.

Ralph's family time was his most treasured time. He was always thrilled to have family visits, and especially to host family reunions for his brothers and sisters at his retreat in Jasper County. Visits from his children and the family reunions with his wife, children, spouses, and grandchildren were always welcomed and led to many happy times enjoying another passion... playing pinochle. The family reunions were in several states, Bahamas, a cruise ship, and French Lick in Indiana and brought many wonderful memories.

Ralph's love of his country began early, was deep-rooted, and the foundation of his ethics and belief in helping others. Ralph took great satisfaction in providing for his wife, his family, and the community. His excitement in offering an opportunity for St. Joseph to have a beautiful new park and community building cannot be measured.

Most of all, his love, care, and thoughtfulness to his entire family will be forever treasured.

Memorials may be made to the Woodard Family Park Improvement Fund at St. Joseph City Hall. Condolences may be offered at www.renner-wikoffchapel.com.