Ralph E. Gierens, age 69, a resident of Winfield for over 25 years, passed away on Wednesday, May 10, 2017. He was born February 5, 1948 in Elgin to Ralph and Imogene Gierens.

Ralph grew up in Elgin and graduated from St. Edward High School. While in high school he won the State Golf Championship. He attended Western IL University in Macomb where he met Trudy Johansen. They were married on December 27, 1969, just before he left for Vietnam. He served as a First Sergeant with the Army in Vietnam where he earned a Purple Heart.

After his military service, Ralph completed college at Southern IL University, earning a Bachelor's Degree with honors. He went on to work for many years for the Federal Department of Energy where he was a Regional Contracting Officer, managing energy grants for IL, WI and IN. He retired in 2003.

Ralph enjoyed sports. He was a competitive golfer who won numerous championships. He enjoyed bowling and had a 300 game. He was also a fan of the Cubs, the Kane County Cougars and Notre Dame Football. He also enjoyed woodworking, connecting on Twitter and going to concerts, and especially enjoyed Katy Perry.

He is survived by his wife, Trudy, her sisters, Sheron (Joe) Javan, Bonnie Johansen and Cindy (Tim) Brammer and nieces and nephews and great-nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

A memorial visitation will be held on Saturday, May 13, 2017 from 1 to 4 p.m. at Hultgren Funeral Home, 304 N. Main St., Wheaton, where a memorial service will take place at 3:30 p.m.

Private interment will be held at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery.

Memorial gifts may be directed to American Lung Association .