Ralph Russell Slininger,78, died Monday, August 1, 2011 at his home in Thief River Falls , Mn.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM on Saturday, August 6, 2011 at the Johnson Funeral Service , Thief River Falls , MN . Burial will follow at St. Bernard's Cemetery in Thief River Falls , MN .

Visitation will be held from Noon until 2:00 PM on Saturday at the funeral home.

Ralph Russell Slininger was born on April 30, 1933 in Ada , MN the son of Arthur and Katie (Wickern) Slininger. He was baptized and confirmed into the Lutheran faith. Ralph attended grade school and graduated from high school in Crookston , MN . He also attended college earning an Engineering Degree at Staples, MN.

Ralph was raised on a farm most of his life and enjoyed farming with his father.

Ralph was united in marriage to Lola. There were three children born to this union.

On August 3, 1966, Ralph was united in marriage to Shirley A. Slininger. There were four children born to this union, Carey, Renae Cooley, Craig and Leroy Slininger.

Ralph worked on Minnesota State Highways mapping most of the back roads in Northeastern Minnesota . Ralph also worked for Valley Contracting in Grand Forks , ND .

Ralph enjoyed Westerns and socializing with his friends daily. He was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Sons Auxiliary Post 2793.

Survivors include his children, Carey, Renae, Craig, Leroy; grandchildren, Jennifer, Christine, Tristin; Katie, Kenneth, Cearra, Seneca, Dolan; great-grandchildren Landon, Kayden, Jasmin; nieces, Bev Danielson, Dori Skalet; nephew, Donny Blasey; and many other relatives and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Donald, Harold; and sister, Mary; and one daughter in infancy, Baby Slininger; and two grandsons, Andrew, Sebastian.

Casketbearers: Carey Slininger, Craig Slininger, Leroy Slininger, Tristin Slininger, Kenneth Strand