Ralph Edward Bordner

He was born March 24, 1918, in Beloit, Wisconsin, to Carl R. Anderson and Lillian M. Larson. He was raised by his foster parents John and Amy Bordner. He married Flora Nell Reeves from Marion, Louisiana on February 1, 1946 in Marengo, IL. She preceded him in death November 2016. He is survived by, two daughters, Mrs. Lillian (Thomas) Smith, DuBois, PA, Mrs. Jo Ann (Larry) Oetzel, Germantown Hills, IL, and son, Mr. Ralph Bordner, Vero Beach, FL. He is also survived and loved dearly by 9 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by both set of parents, one foster sister Edna Stieg, step brothers Clifford Bordner, Carl Bordner, Ed Back and one step sister June Hanson. God has called him home to join his family in a beautiful place, where there is no suffering, no more pain, and can walk freely. He graduated from Belvidere High School and Northern Illinois University with a degree in education. He later earned a master’s degree in education from Bradley University and a degree from the Air War College in Alabama. Ralph joined the Air Force on October 12, 1942. He served in WW II as a B-17 navigator/bombardier stationed in Thurleigh Air Base near Bedford, England, flying in 30 missions. He later served as Deputy Commander of the Peoria Air National Guard retiring as Colonel on March 24, 1978. Ralph was one of the founding members and first president of the 306th Bomb Group Association. He and Nell enjoyed attending the reunions for many years and returned to Thurleigh, England several times. He taught for 2 years at Glenwood Boys Training School and then served as teacher, principal and superintendent of Robein Grade School for 29 years, from the school's opening in 1949 to his retirement in 1978. The gymnasium was named in his honor. In retirement, he continued to follow his former students, and volunteered for Grandparents Day. His greatest joy was his family, his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. His favorite past times included traveling, collecting stamps, coins, golfing and watching the Chicago Cubs. He was a devout member of the First United Methodist Church of East Peoria.

A visitation will take place from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday July 26, 2017 and one hour prior to funeral services, at East Peoria First United Methodist Church. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, July 27, 2017 with a military honors graveside service to follow at Fondulac Cemetery. Remmert Funeral Home is entrusted with the arrangements and online tributes may be made at remmertfuneralhome.com

In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made to 306 Bomb Group Association, Robein Grade School, Snyder Village, or First United Methodist Church of East Peoria.