Ralph W. Bass

Ralph Wayne Bass, age 82 of Freeport, IL, formerly of Shannon, IL passed away Monday, February 26, 2024. He was born July 2, 1941 in Stockton, IL to Raymond and Margorie (Plapp) Bass. Ralph grew up in Shannon, IL on the family farm with his three brothers. He was a graduate of Shannon High School in 1959. After graduating, Ralph served in the United States Air Force from 1960-1968. During his time in the Air Force, Ralph really enjoyed being stationed in Fairbanks, AK and Klamath Falls, OR.

After his discharge from the Air Force, Ralph worked in the Carroll and Stephenson County area. On May 27, 1978 he married Dianne Feltmeyer at Church by the Side of the Road in Rockton, IL. For many years Ralph owned and operated Ralph Bass Boom Service, which earned him the nickname “Boomer”. Ralph’s memberships included the American Legion Boyle-Hoy Post of Shannon, Lions Club, Masonic Lodge, Scottish Rite Bodies in Freeport, and Tebala Shrine in Rockford, IL. He also served as a volunteer on the Shannon Fire Department. Ralph’s hobbies and interest included raising and training horses for riding for many years, landscaping, and gardening. He also enjoyed his annual summer vacation with his family in Hayward, WI.

He is survived by his wife Dianne of Freeport, IL; two children Rodney (Lisa) Bass of Princeton, NJ and Angela (Steve) Chang of Camano, WA; two brothers Gene (Karen) Bass of Sun Prairie, WI and Robert Bass of Sarasota, FL; stepson Mike (Karen) Gothard of Richmond, VA and stepson-in-law Leonard Weiler of Sartell MN; nine grandchildren Ryan Bass, Alessandra Bass, Amelie Bass, Jenny Chang, Lindy Chang, Zoe Weiler, Zachary Weiler, Christopher Gothard and Emily Gothard; and many nieces and nephews.

Preceding Ralph in death are his parents, brother Paul Bass and sister-in-law Marlis Bass, and stepdaughter Michelle Weiler.

Memorial services with Military Funeral Honors will be 12:00 P.M. Monday March 4, 2024 at Burke-Tubbs Funeral Home in Freeport. A visitation will be held from 11:00 A.M. until the time of service. A memorial has been established in Ralph’s memory.