Gary Ralph, 50, died on Thursday, May 28, 2009 at MeritCare Northwest Hospital in Thief River Falls, MN.

Memorial Services will be held 2:00 PM, Sunday, May 31, 2009 at Johnson Funeral Service in Thief River Falls, MN with Rev. Robert Dahlen officiating. Burial of will be in the Clearwater Cemetery, rural Oklee, MN.

Gary Lee Ralph was born on August 9, 1958 to Robert Lee and Cleta Anna (Ranes) Ralph in Osage, Iowa. He grew up in Grafton, IA and Rushford, MN before moving to Oklee during his senior year graduating in 1977.

Gary was united in marriage to Sherry Knutson on May 30, 1981 in Ebenezer Lutheran Church in rural Pennington County. They made their home in several places including Oklee, Roseau, and Rochester, before settling in Thief River Falls. Gary enjoyed farming, managed the rental store in Roseau, and most recently was caretaker for DW Jones Property Management. He also had a farm in rural Oklee which he loved.

Gary enjoyed skiing and snowmobiling. He enjoyed watching the classic movies. He also loved to argue politics. Farming was his passion. His family and friends found his stubbornness entertaining. He enjoyed all of the tinkering and fixing that was required to run a farm.

He is survived by his wife Sherry, Thief River Falls, MN, daughter Sydney Marie, Thief River Falls, step-son Joshua (fiance Haven Lundeen) Kappes, Thief River Falls, mother Cleta Ralph, Oklee, MN, 2 sisters Debra (Jeffrey) Lansdowne, Rochester, MN, Jean (Alan) Healy, Red Lake Falls, MN, several nieces and nephews, Blaire Jameson, James Lansdowne, Allison Healy, Megan Healy, brothers-in-law: Donald Knutson, Moonie (Jodi) Knutson, sister-in-law: Karen (Steve) Linvick, several nieces and nephews: Shauna Knutson, Jamie Habbin, Cassandra Knutson, Dustin, Lee Knutson, Lauren, Keaton Knutson, Sarah, Sean, Terrance, Dylan Linvick, also special family friends: Marilyn Cullen, Teri & Denny Kjos, Pam & Dean Klaven, Cathi & Brad Blawat, Bill Cullen, and Sonja Knaack.

Gary was preceded in death by daughter Morgan, his father Robert on August 10, 2008, and grandparents, parents in law, Sherman and Jean Knutson, brother in law Sherman Knutson Jr., sister in law Sandra Knutson.