1930
Ralph
2017
Ralph Stegenga
July 6, 1930 — March 2, 2017
Funeral services for Ralph Stegenga of Albert Lea, MN, will be held at 2:00 PM Sunday, March 5, 2017 at the First Presbyterian Church of Albert Lea. Pastor Dwight Netzer will officiate. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will be in the Hollandale Cemetery, Hollandale, MN.
Ralph died Thursday, March 2, 2017 at the Thorne Crest Retirement Center in Albert Lea. He was 87 years of age.
Ralph was born July 6, 1930 on the family farm in Hollandale, MN, the son of Joe and Dora (Brenema) Stegenga. He served in the US Navy during the Korean conflict before returning to the family farm where they grew carrot, potatoes and onions for many years. Ralph was active in the Hollandale Marketing Association and the Watershed Board.
On January 10, 1953 he married the love of his life, Marilyn Ann Johnson at the East Freeborn Lutheran Church. Ralph was a lifelong resident of Hollandale, MN, until his retirement, his passion was golf where he spent many hours with his friends on the golf course – even in the winter months – where he and Marilyn resided in Florida. He enjoyed traveling and was an active member of the Kiwanis and the American Legion (but not the Shriners because they wouldn't let him just drive the cars!)
Ralph was an avid sports fan and especially enjoyed the Minnesota Twins and Vikings. His true love however, was watching high school sports and music programs when his grandchildren were involved. He was fortunate to do this in both Minnesota and Florida. He was a very proud grandfather who truly loved spending time with his grandchildren.
Ralph is survived by his wife Marilyn of Albert Lea, MN, sons Mike (Joann) Stegenga of Venice, FL, Greg (Lisa) Stegenga of Albert Lea, MN, grandchildren; Tyler Stegenga, Laura (Eric) Praetorious, Daniel Stegenga, Hannah Stegenga, Heather (Evan) Swenson and Heidi (John) Lepley. There is one great granddaughter Kiley. One brother survives; Herman (Janet) Stenga of Soldotna, Alaska, sister Tena DeBoer of Minneapolis, MN, and brother in law Robert (Beth) Johnson of Venice FL.
He was preceded in death by his parents Joe and Dora, and brothers Albert, Elmer and John. Special thanks to the staff at Thorne Crest Memory Care.
Ralph leaves a legacy of friendliness. Many will remember him for his happy smile and big waves.
Hi-Ho, Silver! Away!
Ralph died Thursday, March 2, 2017 at the Thorne Crest Retirement Center in Albert Lea. He was 87 years of age.
Ralph was born July 6, 1930 on the family farm in Hollandale, MN, the son of Joe and Dora (Brenema) Stegenga. He served in the US Navy during the Korean conflict before returning to the family farm where they grew carrot, potatoes and onions for many years. Ralph was active in the Hollandale Marketing Association and the Watershed Board.
On January 10, 1953 he married the love of his life, Marilyn Ann Johnson at the East Freeborn Lutheran Church. Ralph was a lifelong resident of Hollandale, MN, until his retirement, his passion was golf where he spent many hours with his friends on the golf course – even in the winter months – where he and Marilyn resided in Florida. He enjoyed traveling and was an active member of the Kiwanis and the American Legion (but not the Shriners because they wouldn't let him just drive the cars!)
Ralph was an avid sports fan and especially enjoyed the Minnesota Twins and Vikings. His true love however, was watching high school sports and music programs when his grandchildren were involved. He was fortunate to do this in both Minnesota and Florida. He was a very proud grandfather who truly loved spending time with his grandchildren.
Ralph is survived by his wife Marilyn of Albert Lea, MN, sons Mike (Joann) Stegenga of Venice, FL, Greg (Lisa) Stegenga of Albert Lea, MN, grandchildren; Tyler Stegenga, Laura (Eric) Praetorious, Daniel Stegenga, Hannah Stegenga, Heather (Evan) Swenson and Heidi (John) Lepley. There is one great granddaughter Kiley. One brother survives; Herman (Janet) Stenga of Soldotna, Alaska, sister Tena DeBoer of Minneapolis, MN, and brother in law Robert (Beth) Johnson of Venice FL.
He was preceded in death by his parents Joe and Dora, and brothers Albert, Elmer and John. Special thanks to the staff at Thorne Crest Memory Care.
Ralph leaves a legacy of friendliness. Many will remember him for his happy smile and big waves.
Hi-Ho, Silver! Away!
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