Ralph Arnold Burgdorf

February 17, 1950 - February 19, 2021

Ralph Arnold Burgdorf, 71 years of Red Bud, IL, passed away on Friday, February 19, 2021 at his residence. He was born February 17, 1950, in Red Bud, IL. Ralph retired as a corrections officer from Menard Corrections Center in Chester, IL., working from November 1, 1974 - August 31, 2002, having nearly 28 years of service. He was a United States Army veteran serving during Vietnam. He received the National Defense service medal, Vietnam service medal with 2 campaign stars, Vietnam campaign medal with 60 device, one overseas service bar, RVN line haul certificate and shoulder tab, marksman badge with rifle bar M16 and the sharpshooter badge M14. Surviving are his wife of 48 years, Carla Burgdorf, nee Themm, his children, Carl ((Amy Brem)) Burgdorf, James (Mica) Burgdorf, Bronda (Fiancee: Nathan Hubler) Burgdorf, Andrew Burgdorf and Laura ((Matthew Brock)) Wolfmeier, his 14 grandchildren, Kimberly, Jace, Bryce, Aspen, Alec, Kristi, Chrispin, Aubree, Lily, Blayden, Drake, Eastin, Dakota and Wyatt, his 5 great grandchildren, Carter, Marcus, Lincoln, Adrianne and Theo, his two sisters, June Schultheis and Eunice Kempfer, along with other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Kimberly Burgdorf, and his parents, Sylvester "Pat" and Gladys, nee Grimm, Burgdorf. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, February 24, 2021 from 9-11 a.m. at Leesman Funeral Home in Red Bud, IL. Funeral services will held on Wednesday, February 24, 2021 at 11 a.m. at Leesman Funeral Home in Red Bud, IL., with Rev. Scott Foshie, officiating. Burial with military honors will follow in Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, St. Louis, MO. In lieu of customary remembrances, the family requests with gratitude that memorial contributions be directed to VFW Post 6632 in Red Bud, Illinois. For more information, please access our website, www.leesmanfuneralhome.com. Arrangements were handled by Leesman Funeral Home in Red Bud, IL.