ELKHART — Mr. Ralph W. Beam, Sr., 87, of Elkhart, passed away peacefully at Greenleaf Health Campus in Elkhart on Wednesday, Sept.  20, 2017 at 6:02 pm.

He was born in Pittsburgh, PA on Aug.12, 1930 to the late Arthur D. and Ursula Mae (Cunningham) Beam. He later married Catherine L. Zwastetzky on Apr. 12, 1954 in Maryland. She survives at home.

Also surviving are his children Mary (Jerry) Wolfinger of Osceola, Ralph (Kay) Beam, Jr. of Mishawaka, Robert Beam of Indianapolis, Patrice (Paul) Modlin of Wakarusa and Richard (Connie) Beam, Pamela (Jim) Peterson and William Beam, all of Elkhart. 16 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren survive as well.

A celebration of life will be held at Greenleaf Health Campus on Tuesday, September 26, 2017 from 7p.m.-9p.m. A private family inurnment service will be held at Rice Cemetery Elkhart. Billings Funeral Home of Elkhart has been assisting the family with arrangements.

Ralph was never one to scoff at a hard day's work. He was a pipefitter and heavy equipment operator at NIPSCO in Elkhart for nearly 35 years, along with working Nickles Bakery as well for 20 years. He also loved to travel, and his favorite destinations included Gatlinburg, Ft. Myers Beach, Myrtle Beach and Williamsburg. He was a veteran of the United States Army, serving during the Korean War.

Memorial donation can be made to American Heart Association, Midwest Affiliate, 3816 Paysphere Circle, Chicago, IL 60674 or Heartland Hospice Memorial Fund 333 N. Summit St. P.O. Box 10086 Toledo, OH 43699. Online condolences can be made at www.billingsfuneralhome.com