Ralph A. Iglehart

Ralph A. Iglehart, 86, of Davenport passed away on Friday, January 26, 2018 at the Good Samaritan Society in Davenport. Cremation rites have been accorded. A private inurnment and ceremony will be held at the Rock Island Arsenal National Cemetery in June. Ralph Albert Iglehart was born May 20, 1931, to Clyde and Irene (Johnson) Iglehart in Davenport, Iowa. He graduated from Rock Island High School in 1949 and later attended Augustana College. Ralph was united in marriage to Janet Marie Gilbert on August 7, 1954 in Tucson, Arizona. He was honorably discharged as a Staff Sergeant from the United States Air Force in 1955. Ralph owned and operated R.A. Iglehart Plastering Company for 40 years. While he plastered many new homes in the Quad City area, his business motto was 'No job too small'. Ralph had a well-deserved reputation for the work that he did in homes across the Quad Cities, and for following through on promises made to customers. Ralph was a man of many talents. He was a fast-pitch softball pitcher for the Northwest Turners team, various area town teams and while in the Air Force. He qualified for the World Tournament pitching for the Jimmy Powers team after his military discharge. Known for having a beautiful singing voice, Ralph sang tenor in the Augustana College Chapel Choir and in several barbershop quartets. Oddly, his singing ability was not inherited by his three children, but his grandson Brendan was blessed with his grandfather's talent. Ralph's love of music was also evident in his love of dancing with Janet, and they spent many hours in lessons over the years, including disco, ballroom and country dancing. Ralph and Janet were devoted supporters of Davenport Central High School sports and music activities, cheered for the Iowa Hawkeyes and watched countless St. Louis Cardinals baseball games from start to finish on television. Ralph also enjoyed traveling with his wife, coaching Davenport youth baseball, teaching computer skills, fishing for crappies and playing craps on area casino boats with his buddies Ronnie and Bill. He loved neighborhood block and garage parties! Survivors include children David Iglehart (Peg), Davenport, William Iglehart, Long Beach, California, Diane Sallinger (Scott), Durango, Colorado and grandchildren Kent, Brendan, Colin, Anna, Audrey, Kristina, Michelle, Lauren and Gina. He was preceded in death earlier this month by his wife of 63 years, Janet, a brother Harry 'Bus' Iglehart and his parents. Memorial contributions that were made in Janet's name after her recent death will be designated to have been made in both Ralph's and Janet's honor. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages friends to make contributions to charities of their choice. Ralph will be remembered as a devoted husband, father and friend. The family would like to thank all their wonderful friends for the support they provided during the latter years of Ralph's and Janet's lives.