Ralph Robert Forys

December 28, 1925 – January 12, 2024 (Age 98)

Ralph R Forys, age 98, of Oak Hill Senior Living in Waterloo, IL, formerly of Madison, Belleville, Shiloh, and O’Fallon IL, died on January 12, 2024 at Oak Hill Senior Living.

Ralph was a Veteran of WWII enlisting July 25, 1944, rose to the rank of Sargent in the US Third Army, 26th Infantry Yankee Division. He did his basic training at Camp Hood Texas as an Anti-Tank Gun Crewman before being shipped to Europe. He fought in the Battle of the Bulge, the second deadliest battle in US History where over 19,000 men were lost. Ralph was honored with the Victory Medal, European-African Middle Eastern Theater Ribbon, 3 Bronze Battle Stars, 2 Overseas Service Bars, Good Conduct Medal and Army of Occupation Medal (Germany). He was honorably discharged June 15, 1946.

Interviewed many times, Ralph has chapters in Mark Leach’s book “Why We Fought” about Nazi Camp Liberators, and in “Victory Through Valor” A Collection of World War II Memoirs. Several have interviewed Ralph leaving behind video of his battle remembrances.

He was one of the founding, and last surviving, members of the Saint Louis Area Veterans of the Battle of the Bulge, a member of the VFW, and American Legion.

He worked as a furniture repairer, built his own house with his father by repurposing old rail cars, worked for the government, and Engineered Air, as a packaging specialist. He graduated from Ranken’s School of Mechanical Trades May 1951. Not only was he Uncle Ralph, he also played Santa Claus for family and friends.

Ralph was extraordinary about bringing his memories to life. He could tell you a memory 20 times (“stop me if I’ve told you this one before” or “I’ve probably told you this one 5, 10 times before”) and it was always the same. When service persons would greet him at the airport and memorials to thank him for his service, on the 2015 Honor Flight, he spent more time asking them about their service experiences. Ralph never met a stranger. His common response to “Ralph do you need anything” was “I just need a smile”.

Ralph was preceded in death by his first wife, Mary (Greendonner) Forys, married 35 years; his second wife, Agnes (Przada – Swierczek) Forys married 35 years; his parents Stanley and Catherine nee Bednasz, his sister Helen “Honey” (Frank) Tippett, and at his age, sister-in laws and brothers-in-law, cousins and many many friends.

Ralph is survived by his stepson Richard (Gail) Przada; step-daughter Rosemarie (Roby) Sintzel; step grandchildren Christine (Dr. Daniel) Mattson, John Sintzel, Mathew Sintzel, Adam Sintzel, Michael (Dr. Erin Smallmon) Sintzel, and Sharon (Dan) Serafini; his step great grandchildren, Katherine and Daniel Mattson, Brooke and Charlotte Sintzel, and Lauren and Logan Serafini; nephews Rick (Carlyn) Tippett, Rich (Lanie) Schmersahl, Tom (Jackie) Schmersahl, Mike (Justine) Thornton, Bob (Nora) Schmersahl, and Dave (Karen) Thornton; and nieces Kathy (Mike) Smith, Mary Flynn, Chris McCall, and Mary Ann (Greg) Stanfill.

Ralph was dearly loved and will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Memorial masses may be made to the Cathedral of St. Peter, Belleville, IL. Donations may be made to VITAS Healthcare (Hospice) in Fairview Heights, IL or to Oak Hill Nursing and Rehab, 623 Hamacher Street, Waterloo, Illinois, 62298.

Visitation will be held on Friday, January 19, 2024, from 9:00 am to 11:30 am at the Cathedral of St. Peter, 200 W Harrison, Belleville, IL 62220.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, January 19, 2024 at 11:30 am at Cathedral of St. Peter, Belleville, IL, with Father Stan Konieczny officiating.

Burial will be held in Valhalla Gardens of Memory, Belleville, IL following the mass.