Ralph Edwin Nicklin

Ralph “Bud” Edwin Nicklin, 89, of Streator passed away on Friday, (July 18, 2025) at OSF Center for Health, Streator.

Visitation will be Wednesday, July 23rd from 10 a.m. until 12 p.m. at the Winterrowd Funeral Home. Funeral services will be at 12 p.m. at the funeral home. Burial will be in Hillcrest Memorial Park Cemetary with full military honors.

Serving as pallbearers will be Dave Nicklin, Dave and Jeff Wakeman, Bob, Joe and Jake Buckley and Terry Trenor. Honorary pallbearers are Bob Simons and members of the Streator Men’s Bowling Association.

Ralph was born on September 20, 1935, in Streator, Illinois to Raymond, Sr. and Anne (Galik) Nicklin. He married Dorothy Hasenkamper on February 1, 1964. She preceded him in death on November 5, 2022.

Ralph is survived by his brother Dan (Mary) Nicklin of Aviston, Illinois; sister-in-law Sue Nicklin of Streator, several nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, great-great nieces and nephews; Godchildren, Renee (Al) Warnement and Bob (Eris) Simons and Grand Godchildren, Carson & Mallory Trenor, Shae & Brezdyn Simons.

He is preceded in death by his parents, his brothers Raymond, Jr. and Fredrick (Fritz), sister-in-law Mary Lou Nicklin and his sister Marge Balke.

Ralph graduated from Streator High School in 1953. He served in the US Army from 1955-1958 as a Clerk Typist and was Honorably Discharged in 1958. He was employed as a mechanic at Owens-Illinois for 17 ½ years. Ralph and his wife Dorothy were the owners/proprietors of Streator Bowling Lanes/ Pioneer Room for 30 years, from 1971-2001. After retiring from the bowling alley, he was employed at Super Wash for 17 years.

Ralph was a sanctioned bowler for over 70 years, bowling for 68 of those years with a high average of 202 and a high game of 289. He held various offices including President, Vice President and Secretary in several leagues. He was a member of the Streator Mens Bowling Association for 65 years, serving as past President and various other offices. He was named Bowler of the Year in 1960-61; was inducted into the Streator Men’s Bowling Hall of Fame in 1990 and was a member of the 1st Major Division All-Star team. He bowled 40 years in the ABC National Tournament, traveling around the country with Dorothy to bowl in those tournaments.

Ralph enjoyed fishing in Chetek, WI for over 50 years with his wife Dorothy.

Ralph was a member of Park Presbyterian Church.

Memorials may be made to St. Jude’s Children Research Hospital or to the family of Ralph Nicklin.