Ralph Louis Blust, 82, passed away peacefully on July 28, 2021, in Galena, Illinois.  Born in Chicago, on March 2, 1939, the only child to Melvin and Rose (Manno) Blust. Ralph spent his life in the city and the western suburbs of Chicago, graduating from Elmhurst College with a degree in Business Administration.  Ralph enjoyed a long and notable career serving in the Fire Service.  From his humble beginning as a volunteer firefighter to decades as Fire Chief, Ralph was a dedicated servant in fire service with over 50 active years. Ralph served on multiple departments, including Fox Lake Fire Department, Colona Fire Department, Addison Fire Protection District, Glenside Fire Protection District, Cherry Valley Fire Protection District, and on many fire service organizations and initiatives too numerous to list. Ralph was a devoted family man and during his times away from work, Ralph enjoyed hunting, fishing, and boating with family and friends. Ralph is survived by his high school sweetheart and wife of 61 years, Barbara Ann (Bletsch) Blust; children Susan (Donald) Steffan, Ralph J. Blust (JoAnn Favia), Jacqueline (David) Ellers; grandchildren Sarah (David) Sandlers, Rachel (Toly) Melnikov, Ruth Kimball (John Hutzler), Alexandra Blust (Abby LeGare), Naomi Kimball, Joshua Kimball, Rebecca Ellers, David M. Ellers; step-grandchildren Donny (Jessica) Steffan, Carolanne Steffan, Kelly (Jason) Brown, Nikole (Christian) Frederking, and Michael Pizzello; great-grandchildren Adelyn, Noah & Eliana Sandlers, Katerina Melnikov, Austin Kimball, and Ronnie & Calvin Brown. Ralph was preceded in death by his parents, and granddaughter Barbara Ann Kimball. The family wishes to thank the staff of Galena Stauss Nursing Home and Hospice of Dubuque for the compassionate and comprehensive care Ralph received with them. Donations in Ralph’s memory can be made to the 100 Club of Jo Daviess County P.O. Box 57, Galena, IL 61036, an organization that provides financial assistance and scholarships to local firefighters and their families.