Ralph H. Heimann, age 88 of Collinsville, IL, born April 4, 1936 in Damiansville, IL, peacefully passed away on Thursday, May 2, 2024 with his family by his side.

Ralph attended Damiansville school and graduated from Aviston Community High School where he played on the baseball team.  He attained his BA in Accounting from SIU Carbondale, and MBA from Washington University.  Ralph work professionally at GE, Pet Milk, Chromalloy, and finally Monsanto/Pfizer. Specializing in state and local taxes, Ralph became a force within the corporate tax community and was noted for earning millions back for Monsanto/Pfizer from overpaid taxes. Affectionately, he kept a sign on his desk of Uncle Sam pointing at the reader, stating, "Put all your money into taxes. It's the only thing guaranteed to go up."

Ralph honorably served in the United States Army. Post service, he continued a commitment of service within the Catholic Church, receiving the St. George Award for Catholic scouting and the Magnificata Award from the Dioceses of Springfield. He was a member of SS Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Collinsville, sang in the church choir, was a lector and a Fourth Degree Knight of Columbus.  He was also a member of the Future Farmers of America. He enjoyed volunteering and completed the Wood Badge, an advanced national leadership course for scouting volunteers and professionals.  He also enjoyed fishing, hunting, and playing cards.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Francis "Frank" and Wilhelmina "Minnie" (nee Fuehne) Heimann.

Surviving are his loving spouse of 62 years, Rita M. (nee Hellmann) Heimann, whom he married June 14, 1961; four beloved children:  Karen (Bob) Kruetzkamp, Jay (Connie Phillips) Heimann, Charles (Gretchen) Heimann, and David (Nicole Soteo) Heimann; seven grandchildren: Michael, Andrew and David Massmann, Shiloh and Scott Heimann, Sydney Heimann-Smith, and Joshua Heimann; a great grandson Liam; three brothers:  Richard (Lou) Heimann, Stan (Rosie) Heimann and Bill (Cindi) Heimann; two sisters:  Mary (Jerry) Innes and Helen (Franny) Billhartz; numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday, May 5, 2024 at Barry Wilson Funeral Home in Maryville, IL and 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. on Monday, May 6, 2024 at SS Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Collinsville.

A funeral mass will follow at 10:30 a.m. with Father Michael Haag celebrant.  Burial with military honors will be in SS Peter & Paul Catholic Cemetery, Collinsville.

Memorials are suggested to SS Peter & Paul Catholic Church, SS Peter & Paul Catholic School, or in the form of Mass Intentions and will be received at the visitation or can be mailed to Barry Wilson Funeral Home, 2800 N. Center Street, Maryville, IL 62062.