Ralph D. Custer, age 89 of Iuka, Illinois, passed away at 12:30 am on October 21, 2023, at Mt. Vernon Countryside Manor.
He was born April 11, 1934, to Franklin Joseph and Virginia May Custer in Windber, PA.On June 14, 1958, he married Fern Rankin in Salem, Illinois, and enjoyed 62 years of marriage before she preceded him in death on December 15, 2020. To this union was given four sons: Richard (Sherrie) Custer, Keith Custer, Steven (Martina) Custer, and Scott Custer. He leaves his grandchildren: Brandon Custer, Allen Custer, Tonya Coppage, Lindsay Goldberg-Custer, and Jack Jarrett. Great Grandchildren: Brandon Robert, and Gracie Custer, Maximillian Custer, Kira and Kenzie Coppage. His sister, Barbara Arthur, and his brother: Jim Custer.He is preceded in death by his parents and his wife.Ralph retired after 37 years as a master repairman for Sears and Robuck in Chicago, Illinois, and later moved to Iuka, Illinois. He was a true servant to anyone needing his help or expertise. Ralph could repair anything. He was a faithful servant to his church, Iuka United Methodist Church. Ralph would go on mission trips, serving in various positions including Head of the Trustees, maintenance and repairs, and represented his church at Regional Conference Board Meetings.
Ralph was a faithful husband, father, grandfather, brother, brother-in-law, and uncle. He will be missed and never forgotten.A Memorial Service will be held Wednesday, October 25, 2023, at 12:00 PM at the Iuka United Methodist Church with Pastor Rae Delao officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Iuka United Methodist Church and will be accepted at the Sutherland-Rankin Funeral Home at 310 North Broadway/ P.O. Box 97 Salem, Illinois 62881, (618)548-1234, who is honored to be of service to Ralph’s family. Online condolences may be made to the family by visiting www.sutherlandfuneralhome.com and the Sutherland Funeral Homes Facebook Page.
