Bann, C. "Slugger"

Ralph C. “Slugger” Bann, 91, of New Baden died Thursday, November 13, 2014 at his home. He was born January 19, 1923 in New Baden, son of James W. and Dolores A. (Kassebaum) Bann, Sr. Ralph was a World War II Army veteran serving with CO.F 315 Infantry Regiment, 79th Division in the European Theatre. He attained the rank of 1st Sgt. and was the recipient of the Purple Heart, bronze star and presidential unit citation w/cluster. Upon returning from the service, Ralph worked for the federal government until his retirement. He also owned and operated, along with his wife, “Sis”, a popular ice cream and hamburger stand in New Baden called “Bann’s Frosty Whip” for many years. Ralph served as a New Baden Village Trustee for eight years and mayor of New Baden for 32 years. He was a member of the New Baden United Methodist Church, the New Baden American Legion Post 321, the New Baden Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3642, and the New Baden Chamber of Commerce. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a son, Richard L. Bann; sisters, Corrine Bann, Gloria Hebenstreit, and Marilyn Sachs; brothers, James W. “Bill” Bann, Jr., and Paul F. Bann; brothers-in-law, Joseph Hebenstreit, Ernst C. Bailey, and Dale A. Bailey; sisters-in-law, Donna Bann, Ruth Ellen Bann, Virla Lee Bann, and Betty Bann; nephews, Bob Bann, and Jim Davis; a niece, Debbie Hebenstreit; and his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Leslie E. and Lillian B. (Asbury) Bailey. Surviving are his wife Lucille E. “Sis” Bann, nee Bailey, whom he married April 29, 1947 in New Baden; a son, Dale C. Bann of Phoenix, AZ; a daughter, Sandra E. Seipp of New Baden; grandchildren, Casey (Sarah) Douglass of O’Fallon, Shea C. Seipp of New Baden; great-grandchildren, Madalyn A. Douglass and Luke E. Douglass of O’Fallon; brothers, Carl Bann of New Baden, Robert Bann of Marietta, OH, James (Geri) Bann of Earlville; a sister, Susanne (Gerald) Chapple of Milford, MI; sisters-in-law, Edna Bailey of DuQuoin, Elizabeth “Betty” Bailey of Mulberry, FL, and Mildred Bann of New Baden; and numerous nieces and nephews. Ralph was the rock of our family. Affectionately known as “Pa Pa” to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. We will miss his guidance and council. Pa Pa will forever be in our hearts. “Our family chain is broke, and nothing seems the same; but as God calls us one by one, the chain will link again.” Memorial Services will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, November 18, 2014 at the 1st United Methodist Church in New Baden with Rev. Carl Johnston officiating. Burial with military honors will follow at Greenmount Cemetery in New Baden. Friends may call from 9 a.m. until time of service Tuesday, November 18, 2014 at the 1st United Methodist Church in New Baden. The American Legion will visit at 10:30 a.m. at the church. Memorials may be made to the New Baden United Methodist Church and will be received at the church or Hempen-Nordike Funeral Home, 15 E. Hanover, New Baden, IL 62265.