Ralph Skay, 92, died on July 19, 2008 at MeritCare Northwest Hospital in Thief River Falls, MN.

Funeral services will be 2:00 PM, Sunday, July 27, 2008 at Zion Lutheran Church in Thief River Falls, MN with Rev. Gary Johnson officiating. Burial will follow in Greenwood Cemetery, Thief River Falls, MN.

Ralph Howard Skay was born on December 8, 1915 to Christian and Bertha (Hanson) Skjod at Braham, MN. He attended grade school in Braham, MN. He was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran Faith. He graduated from Howard Lake High School. Ralph attended the University of Minnesota and obtained a degree in Biology and the Sciences. Between his sophomore and junior year of college, Ralph worked for the Civilian Conservation Corp by Lake Superior. He served 1 ½ years in the US Navy.

Ralph was united in marriage to Senora Kvamme on June 15, 1941 at a rural Lutheran church a half mile from her parents farm, near Twin Valley, MN. They made their home in Wadena, MN.

Mr. Skay taught at Blackduck, Spring Grove, Preston, and Milaca, MN schools before moving to Thief River Falls in 1952. He served as a head football coach for 15 years. He taught science and coached basketball. He initiated a high school baseball program in Thief River Falls in the spring of 1953. He was also Athletic Director and Attendance Director. During his coaching career, he had three teams compete in the state baseball tournaments. Three athletes, during their high school careers made the all-state Minnesota team, two in football and one in baseball. Mr. Skay retired from teaching and coaching in 1978 after 38 years.

When Ralph retired from coaching, he was honored a Ralph Skay Day on May 20, 1974 declared by Mayor Bob Carlson. He was inducted into the Minnesota Coaches Hall of Fame in Minneapolis, MN in November of 1982. He was awarded a Quarter Century Coaching Citation by the Minneapolis Star-Tribune for outstanding coaching in high school and American Legion teams.

Ralph was a member of the Elks and the American Legion. He served on committees and offices of the District Coaches Association. He was a member of Zion Lutheran Church and taught Sunday School for two years. He has been a member of the Golden Pioneers Organization. Ralph enjoyed TV sports and was the number one Minnesota Twins and Vikings fan. Ralph enjoyed reading, traveling, and his church. He enjoyed the Friday morning mens church breakfast. Ralph also did a lot of woodworking (whirlygigs), and volunteer work. He was a favorite calling Bingo at the Heritage Center. Most of all, he liked to spend time with family and friends.

Ralph is survived by his wife Senora, Thief River Falls, MN, three children: Sandra (Sam) Badalamente, Linda (Robert) Weinberg, Brooklyn Park, MN, Dr. Richard Skay, San Marcos, CA, two grandchildren: Mikal (Maria) Johnson, Seattle, WA, Melissa (Michael) Stapleton, Warren, NJ, four great grandchildren: Angelica, Tyler, Jacob, and Mia, and several nieces and nephews.

Ralph was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers: Clarence Skay, and Herbert Skjod, three sisters: Ruth Fenske, Clarice Calhoun, and Alice Elliott.

Memorials are preferred to the Thief River Falls Education Foundation in honor of Ralph Skay.