BRIMFIELD – Ralph A. Matzelle, 73, of Brimfield, passed away at 5:45 p.m., Wednesday, October 17, 2012 at his residence.

Ralph was born on April 15, 1939 in Chicago to Rudolph F. and Anna (Nickelman) Matzelle. He married Barbara “Bobbie” Stepan on May 23, 1975 in Chicago. She survives.

He is also survived by three daughters, Suzanne Harrell of Apopka, FL, Liza (Richard) Croud of Plantation, FL, and Shari A. Matzelle of Chicago; four sons, Daryl (Agnieszka) Matzelle of Bolingbrook, IL who served as Captain in the US Army, Scott (Melissa) Matzelle of Sturbridge, MA, Thomas (Kremena) Matzelle of Peoria, and Rick (Vanessa) Matzelle of Dunlap; eight grandchildren, Kelsey, Olivia, Aurelia, Natalie, Maxim, Roman, Atticus, and one on the way; three brothers, Martin R. (Mary Ellen) Matzelle of Wonder Lake, IL, Carl R. (Jean) Matzelle of Naperville, and Raymond I. (Pam) Matzelle of Reading, PA; and two sisters, Marie L. Goodyear of Pewaukee, WI and Judith E. (Peter) Caviolo of Goodyear, AZ.

Ralph was preceded in death by one sister, Jean Bovy, and one brother-in-law, Ralph Goodyear.

He was a graduate of Marquette University and was a licensed professional mechanical engineer.

Ralph worked as a Research and Service Engineer at Caterpillar for 47 years.

He received a patent for a piston pump.

Ralph was a devout Catholic and member of St. Mary Catholic Church in Kickapoo where he was a major contributor serving as Eucharistic Minister and Lector.

He was a 3^rd Degree member of the Knights of Columbus Bishop Rosati Council #5034.

Ralph was an avid football fan who coached his children in football and basketball for 14 years.

He loved to travel and enjoyed camping. He wintered in Pine Island, FL.

Funeral Mass will be at 10 a.m. on Monday, October 22, 2012 at St. Mary Catholic Church in Kickapoo. Father Joseph Dondanville will officiate. Visitation will be from 3-7 p.m. on Sunday, October 21, 2012 at the Parish Hall. Recitation of the Rosary will be at 6:45 p.m. An additional visitation will be one hour prior to the Mass at the church. Burial will be in St. Patrick’s Cemetery in Kickapoo.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Mary Catholic Church of Kickapoo.

Tributes and condolences may be submitted to www.wrightandsalmon.com.