Robert Ralph, 77, died surrounded by his loving family, at the home he built in rural Oklee, Minnesota, on Sunday, August 10, 2008.

Memorial services will be 2:00 PM, Wednesday, August 13, 2008 at Johnson Funeral Service, Oklee, MN with June Young, Hospice Chaplain presiding. Burial of his ashes will be in the Clearwater Cemetery, rural Oklee.

Robert Lee Ralph was born on April 27, 1931 to William and Grace (Claassen) Ralph at Havelock, Iowa. He grew up until the age of 12 in Rolf, Iowa and then moved to Grafton, Iowa. He graduated from high school in Plymouth, Iowa in 1950. He entered into the Air Force and served his country from 1951 to 1953. He served in Enid, Oklahoma where he met his future wife Cleta.

He was united in marriage to Cleta Anna Ranes on May 30, 1954 in Ceres, Oklahoma. They made their home on in Grafton, Iowa from 1954 until 1969. Robert farmed all of his life, from the time he was five years old. He was a member of the Methodist church in Plymouth, Iowa and Money Creek Haven, MN. They moved to Rushford, MN in 1969 and farmed in the hills. Robert yearned for farming in the flat land, they bought a farm in rural Oklee in 1977. He wanted to buy land that he could stand in the middle of and see all of the corner posts. He raised beef cattle and grain.

Robert was a woodworker. He built three homes. He liked to build hutches, furniture, and help his family with their projects. He loved to travel all over the country. He and Cleta would jump in a car and take trips around the country. He enjoyed auction sales, tractor pulls and looking at and collecting farm machinery and farm toys. He loved to follow politics and discuss politics with his family. He was a proud American who believed it important to vote. He was a member of the American Legion in Thief River Falls, MN.

Robert Ralph is survived by his wife of 54 years, Cleta, Oklee, MN, 3 children, Debra (Jeffrey) Lansdowne, Rochester, MN, Jean (Alan) Healy, Red Lake Falls, MN, Gary (Sherry) Ralph, Thief River Falls, MN, 7 grandchildren, Jessica Truax, Blair Jameson, James Lansdowne, Allison Healy, Megan Healy, Josh Cappes, Sydney Ralph, 1 great grandson Logan Jameson, 1 brother Albert (Doris) Ralph, Northwood, Iowa, several nieces and nephews, other relatives and friends.

Robert was preceded in death by his parents.