Ralph was born in Petersburg, IL September 8, 1924 the son of Henry and Bertha (Chason) Hurwitz.
He enlisted and served in the United States Army on November 17, 1943. He served in the Medical Detachment 399th Infantry in the European Theater. He earned the Medical Badge, Distinguished Unit Badge, the American Theater Ribbon, the Fame Theater Ribbon with two bronze stars, and World War II Victory Medal with two Overseas Bars. Ralph received a Purple Heart. He was honorably discharged, May 15, 1946.
Ralph returned from service and attended Iowa State University and then graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree with Majors in Forestry and Economics from the University of Illinois, Champaign, IL.
He began his career in 1950 with the Barker-Lubin Company of Springfield where he served as Executive Vice President and Chairman of the Policy Management Committee. In 1970, Ralph became partner in Hurwitz Enterprises in Springfield. The firm actively engaged in the building and management of hotels, apartments, shopping centers, commercial office buildings and land development. Although he considered 1986 as an official retirement date, he continued to be active and a part of the real estate profession for many years to come. He was both a registered Real Estate and Insurance Broker in the State of Illinois.
Ralph was proud of his Jewish heritage. He was a member and past president of Temple B’rith Shalom, and past president of the Springfield Jewish Federation. Civic and Professional involvement was important as well. He was a past president and member of the Springfield Air Rendezvous, past president of the Springfield Aviation Council, past chairman and member of the Governor’s Prayer Breakfast Committee, Chairman of the Springfield Airport Authority, and member of the Economic Development Council for Springfield and Sangamon County. He also served as a board member of the Memorial Hospital Foundation, member of the Governor’s council of Health and Physical Fitness, Springfield Art Association, Board of Aeronautics Advisor State of Illinois, past board member of the Child and Family Services and Boys Club of America. He received the Sertoma Service to Mankind Award and the Golden Boy Award from the Boys Club of America.
He was also a member of the Sangamo Club, Springfield Board of Realtors, American Hotel and Motel Association, National Home builders Association, Springfield Chamber of Commerce and the Illinois Hotel/Motel Association.
With all of his accomplishments and hard work, he was most proud of being a husband, dad, grandpa, great grandpa and friend. He married the love of his life, Betty (Greenberg) Hurwitz on April 10, 1949. She was always supportive of Ralph, arm in arm through their lives together. The biggest challenge for them was the endurance of the loss of their two daughters; Mary Jean Hurwitz and Lynne Hurwitz-Jackman. Ralph’s two siblings also preceded him in death, Irving and Evelyn.
Ralph is survived by his wife Betty, his son Joe (Anna) Hurwitz of Springfield, grandchildren: Mary “Mimi” (Katie) Hurwitz of St. Louis, MO, Jake (Amber), Henry (Kelly) and Michael (Kayla) Hurwitz all of Springfield, IL, great grandchildren: Albie, Hudson, Aubrey, Chloe, Willow, Lola, Theo, Lily Hurwitz and Charlie Tinsley, as well as nieces, nephews and a host of friends.
The family will greet family and friends, Sunday, October 22, 2023 from 9:00 am until the time of the funeral service at 10:00 a.m. at Bisch and Son Funeral Home, 505 E. Allen St. Springfield, IL 62703. Rabbi’s Howard Friedland and Michael Datz will officiate. Burial will follow in Oak Ridge Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, those who wish may direct memorial contributions to the Mary Jean Hurwitz Library or the Lynne Hurwitz-Jackman Library at Temple B’rith Shalom. 1004 S. 4th St. Springfield, IL. 62703.
Online condolences may be left at www.bischandsonfuneralhome.com.
Arrangements are in the care of Bisch and Son Funeral Home. 217-544-5424
