Obituary

John B. Ralstin, 80, retired Cessna experimental engineer, died Saturday (Nov. 13, 2010) at his home in Sedgwick.

He was born on Oct. 4, 1930, in Jet, Okla., to Warren Adelbert and Sarah Verne (Hickock) Ralstin. A U.S Army veteran, he was a member of Sedgwick Christian Church and Hicks-Davison American Legion Post 268, Sedgwick. He was an avid collector and restorer of John Deere tractors (actual and scale models), and pens. He also loved gardening, carpentry and general tinkering.

On May 3, 1957, he married Elaine Eisle in Newkirk, Okla. She survives. Other survivors include son, Christopher (Tina) Ralstin, Wichita; daughters, Patricia (Dan) McLinn, Lancaster, Calif., and Georgette (Rick) Lowe, Newton; sisters: Elsie (Waynne) Burnett and Velma Cook, Marshfield, Mo.; five grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a son, Steven Ralstin, daughter, LaRell Toburen; and a brother Warren “Sonny” Ralstin.

Friends may call from 2 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Kaufman Funeral Home in Halstead, with the family present from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Funeral service will be 10:30 a.m. Thursday at Sedgwick Christian Church in Sedgwick with the Rev. Kim Beckwith officiating. Burial will follow at Hillside Cemetery in Sedgwick. Memorials may be given to Harry Hynes Hospice, Hicks-Davison American Legion Post 268 or Sedgwick Christian Church, all in care of Kaufman Funeral Home in Halstead.