Ralph Otis

December 31, 1969 — October 28, 2023

Father and Grandfather extraordinaire, Ralph Chester Otis III, fondly known as Bapo to his many grandchildren, died on October 28, 2023. Chet was born August 20, 1930, to Claire and Ralph Chester Jr. in Chicago. He graduated from Boy’s Latin in Chicago and graduated from Beloit College where he met the love of his life, Peggy Wilson. Peggy predeceased Chet after 66 years of marriage. His heart never mended. After serving his country as a Marine, Chet had a successful career in sales. Chet was predeceased by son Ralph Chester IV (Rusty). He has three daughters, Peggyjane Gilbert, Judy Marunde and Kate Anderson whose hearts are broken. He and Peggy have 11 grandchildren who all owe their swimming skills to their Bapo. Bapo tirelessly attended sporting events, his favorite being swimming where he coached and cheered from the sidelines. Chet was himself a very accomplished swimmer, once placing 9th in the NCAA. He continued to swim until his 90th birthday. Chet never tired of tinkering in the yard or cheering for the Green Bay Packers. He left a generation of homegrown cheeseheads behind.

A Memorial Service will be held at 1:30 pm, Saturday, January 13, 2024 at the Mauh-Nah-Tee-See Country Club, 5151 Guilford Rd., Rockford, IL 611107. Stateline Cremations is assisting the family, 6204 Forest Hills Rd., Loves Park. www.statelinecremations.com

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