Ralph J. Tuftee, 71, of Eldridge passed away on Monday, Sept. 21, 2026, at Mercy One Genesis, Davenport.
A celebration of Ralph’s life was held from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Sept. 26, in the fellowship hall at St. Ann’s Catholic Church, Long Grove. Inurnment was at St. Ann’s Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to the University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital, Iowa City. McGinnis-Chambers Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements.
Ralph was born on Sept. 5, 1955, in Davenport, the son of Melvin and Marcella (Moore) Tuftee. Following his graduation from North Scott High School in 1974, he began his career as an assembler at Case IH in East Moline. After 37 years of service, he retired from the Burlington plant in 2013. After retirement he became the maintenance man at AquaTech Car Wash in Eldridge, where he took pride in being his own boss, keeping everything fresh and clean and manicuring the lawn. In high school he ran track, and his love of running continued into adulthood where he proudly participated numerous times in the annual Bix race. Ralph also enjoyed gardening, boating, taking road trips, and hunting with his family each winter. Above all, he loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren, Jaxon, Emma, Hayden, and Carly, who were the love of his life.
Those left to honor his memory are his son, Neil (Jennifer Nicklas) Tuftee; his girlfriend of 14 years, Pam Sauve; daughters, Emily (Dan) Nemmers and Miranda Sauve; grandchildren, Jaxon and Emma Tuftee, Hayden and Carly Nemmers; sisters, Sharon (Rich) Austin, Marylou (Vince) Weber, Lori (Chris) Cummings, Beth (Dave) Irving; brothers, Robert “Bob” Tuftee and Randall (Doris) Tuftee; sisters-in-law, Trish Tuftee and Becky Tuftee; his grand-dogs, Shadow, Lillie, Lucie, and Jack, who he loved dearly; and numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family members.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Roger and Ronald Tuftee.
Online condolences may be shared with Ralph’s family at www.McGinnis-Chambers.com.
Custom obituary