Ralph E. Vortman, 85, of New Berlin, Illinois passed away Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at The Grove in Jacksonville.

He was born March 22, 1940, in Jacksonville, the son of Luther and Nina Louise (Krusa) Vortman. He married Linda Estabrook on December 22, 1967, in Springfield and she preceded him in death on September 4, 2023.

He is survived by two daughters, Tonia (Marcus) Raichle of St. Louis, MO, and Melinda (Greg) Walter of Oskaloosa, IA; eight grandchildren, Keaton Coleman, Claire and Bridget Raichle, Paige (Tyler) Kindley, and Nicholas, Ryan, Emily, and Ella Walter; and one brother, Alan "Butch" (Lizabeth) Vortman of Kewanee. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; one brother, Ted A. Vortman, and a sister in infancy.

Mr. Vortman was a diesel mechanic. He learned mechanics working at his father's business, Central Motors, in Bluffs. He then worked for KE Vas and Moeller Enterprises for nearly 50 years. He was a dedicated sprint car builder and fan, and in his younger years he enjoyed playing basketball. He loved working and building. Ralph was selfless, lived for his family, and especially loved his grandchildren.

A funeral service will be held 11 A.M. Monday, January 12, 2026, at the Buchanan & Cody Funeral Home in Jacksonville with burial at Woodwreath Cemetery north of New Berlin. The family will meet friends 10-11 A.M. prior to the service. Memorials are suggested to the Wounded Warriors Project. Condolences may be left at buchanancody.com.