Ralph J. Reid

Ralph J. Reid, age 89, of Annandale, died Tuesday, June 16, 2020 at his home.

Funeral Services will be held 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, June 23, 2020 at Zion Lutheran Church in Annandale with Rev. Tyler LaGrave officiating. Burial will follow at approximately 11:20 a.m. at Concordia Lutheran Cemetery in Fairhaven. Visitation will take place 4-7 p.m. on Monday and 9:30-10:15 a.m. on Tuesday, both at the church. Please bring a mask and enter the church using the south entrance off of Chestnut Street. The funeral service will be live-streamed to those unable to attend.

Ralph J. Reid was born on December 17, 1930 in Blue Earth, MN to John and Ann (Blome) Reid. He grew up in the Winthrop area and farmed with family and neighbors. He was baptized and confirmed on June 22, 1947 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Waterville, Minnesota. Ralph joined the United States Navy and honorably served his country from 1950 to 1954. Upon his discharge he returned to South Haven, MN where he met the love of his life, Deloras Tolzman; they were united in marriage on May 28, 1955 at Concordia Lutheran Church, Fairhaven, MN. They recently celebrated 65 years of marriage as life partners. They were members at Concordia until 1991 and then transferred to Zion Lutheran, Annandale, MN.

Ralph worked as a heavy equipment operator in the Twin Cities for 35 years. He spent two years working on the Alaska Pipeline in 1975-1976. He retired in 1991 but continued to work part-time jobs until he was 80.

Ralph and Deloras enjoyed their three trips to Alaska, and the 21 years they spent on Pearl Lake, Kimball. Ralph was a very hard worker at everything and enjoyed keeping his lawn in perfect condition; a weed could not grow in his garden. He bowled for many years, sometimes three nights a week. His most favorite past-times were fishing, playing cards and feeding the birds. When fishing became too much the last few years he spent his time watching westerns and sports.

Ralph & Deloras were blessed with six children, LaRae (Charles) Weber of Casper, Wyoming, Terri (Bill) Erickson of Annandale, Rick (Carol) Reid of Fair Haven, Curt Reid of Winnsboro, South Carolina, Steve (Julie) Reid of Richmond and Jeff (Kim) Reid of Annandale; 17 grandchildren, Chuck, Crystal, Leslie, Kristopher, Kody, Keenan, Peter, Kyle, Ryan, Samantha, Nicole, Jolene, Abbie, Eric, Angela, Meghan and Tyler; 15 great-grandchildren, Chyanne, Deven, Talen, Cash, Kreed, Kassius, Oaklee, Everly, Penny, Lucy, Eliza, Olivia, Lilyana, Decontee, Winnie, and two more great-grandson’s due in September. Ralph is also survived by his sisters, Delores Schmidt and Fay (John) Lemke; and sister-in-Laws, Doris Reid & Lois Reid. He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Ann Reid; sister, Norma Matthees; brothers, Lyle, Lester and Willard Reid; and brothers-in-law, Lester Matthees and Delmer Schmidt.

The casket bearers will be Chuck Weber, Kris Erickson, Kyle Reid, Tyler Reid, Angela Reid and Samantha Groeschel. Arrangements are entrusted with Dingmann Funeral Care Burial & Cremation Services of Annandale.

 

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