Ralph Hunt of Thief River Falls, age 97, died Wednesday, May 26, 2021 at his home, surrounded by his loving family.

A Private Family Mass of Christian Burial will be held with Father Rick Lambert presiding.

Ralph Thomas Hunt was born on January 7, 1924 in Boyceville, WI, the son of Ralph N. Hunt and Mabel (Thompson) Hunt.  Ralph's family moved to Thief River Falls when he was 7 years old.  He graduated from Lincoln High School with the class of 1942.

On May 8, 1944, Ralph was united in marriage to Donna Kriel at Camp Atterbury, IN.  Ralph went on to serve in the United States Army and Donna went to live with her sister, LaVonne in Austin, MN.  Following Ralph's Honorable Discharge on August 14, 1945, the couple moved to Madison, WI where Ralph attended school and Donna worked in a bank.  In 1946 a daughter, Susan was born and in 1948 a son, John was born.  Ralph graduated in 1949 with a degree in Economics and Psychology.

The family moved to Newport, MN and Austin, MN where they lived for a short time.  In 1952 a son, Ralph Jr. "Tom" was born, 1953 a son, Don was born which was the same year the family moved to Thief River Falls.  In 1956 a son, Jeffrey was born, in 1958 a daughter, Jennifer was born and in 1961 a daughter, Cherie was born and completed the family.  Ralph was employed with the State Department of Welfare until his retirement in 1984 and moved to Zippel Bay.

In 1994, the couple returned to Thief River Falls where they have continued to live.  Ralph enjoyed camping, ice fishing, playing cards, reading, watching the Twins, and spending time with his family and friends.

Ralph was a member of St. Bernard's Catholic Church in Thief River Falls, MN.

Survivors include his children, Tom (Della) Hunt of MT, Jeff (Vicki) Hunt of Thief River Falls; Cherie (Jerry) Theisen of Chaska, MN; daughter-in-law, Sherry Hunt of Warroad, MN; grandchildren, Gayle Wickham, Nathan Hunt, Josh Hunt, Taya Bures, Jeremiah Hunt, Steven Theisen, Dan Theisen, Matt Theisen; several great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Donna; children, Susan, John, Don and Jennifer; parents; brothers and sisters, Vi, Clayton, Marie, and Jane.