Ralph L Halbin

Ralph L. Halbin, 94, of Freeport, died Friday, July 11, 2014 at Presence St. Joseph Home. Born on August 18, 1919 in Rockford, the son of John Frank Halbin and Nettie (Holmburg) Halbin. Ralph attended Rockford Schools. He married Evelyn Thompson on August 17, 1941. They moved to Freeport in 1943 and raised three children. Ralph was a meet cutter by trade and worked at A & P Grocery Store and later managed Shinners Market. In 1958 Ralph opened the Freeport Farm and Home Store located at 104 w Douglas and eventually moved the store to 10 W. Exchange St. Ralph also started a snow plowing business in 1955 and plowed his last lot in 2007. In 1971 Ralph established R.L. Halbin and Sons combining construction, digging, and hauling along with the snow plow business. He enjoyed his family, golf, bowling and country living. Ralph is survived by his wife, Evelyn of Freeport; two sons, John (Kay) Halbin of Freeport and Roger (Rachel) Halbin of Ridott; son-in-law, Roger Myers of Freeport and grand daughter, Natalie Myers of Phoenix, AZ.; a brother, Earl of Rockford; a sister Grace Cieliesz of Monroe and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Patricia (Roger) Myers, two brothers Frank and Wilber Halbin and two sisters Marion Joyce and Jane Miller. Memorial services will be Tuesday, 11 a.m. at Burke-Tubbs Funeral Home. Rev. Willis Schwichtenberg will officiate. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until time of service. A memorial has been established in his name. Visit the guest book at www.burketubbs.com