Ralph was? a son, the second child born to Ferdinand & Elvira Petersen. He was born at home on February 22, 1924 in Luverne, MN. Ralph was? a brother to Elaine, Kurt, Gordon, & Carol. He fondly remembered his growing up years and cared deeply for each of his siblings. Ralph was? a husband. After Ralph returned from WWII, he came back to work on the farm. When the new teacher (Loretta) came to board with the Petersen family, his mother made sure that Loretta was seated next to Ralph at the dinner table. They were married on September 2, 1948 and were blessed with 60 years together. Ralph and Loretta were living proof that opposites attract! They complimented each other beautifully. Ralph always thought Loretta was ?the cat?s meow,? and was like a teenager in love. He cherished and adored Loretta. Ralph was? ?Dad? and ?Grandpa? to his children and grandchildren. His family meant everything to him. His words and actions were those of consistent, unchanging, unconditional love and grace. He sacrificially served them, and also made sure they had plenty of fun. His children and grandchildren have many sweet memories of conversations and playful adventures with Dad/Grandpa. Ralph was? a veteran, serving in WWII with the U.S. Navy Sea Bees. Ralph was stationed in the Pacific Islands of the Philippines and Saipan. He served his country well, and his kindness and character left an impact on those he served with, as well as the POWs he guarded. Ralph was? a lifelong farmer who loved the land and every harvest itched to get out into the fields. He worked hard, but he also loved to play, especially with his family. He water-skied into his late 70?s and had a running list of everyone he taught to ski. He loved camping, snowmobiling and tinkering on Raiders, traveling, and hunting. He enjoyed going to Texas and was quite the pool shark there. He was affectionately called ?MacGyver? because of all the gadgets he welded together. He was also a kid-magnet. Children and animals were drawn to his soft-spoken ways and sparkle in his eyes. He was a storyteller and history buff?especially Native American history. He was truly a unique and special man. Ralph was? a lifelong farmer who loved the land and every harvest itched to get out into the fields. He worked hard, but he also loved to play, especially with his family. He water-skied into his late 70?s and had a running list of everyone he taught to ski. He loved camping, snowmobiling and tinkering on Raiders, traveling, and hunting. He enjoyed going to Texas and was quite the pool shark there. He was affectionately called ?MacGyver? because of all the gadgets he welded together. He was also a kid-magnet. Children and animals were drawn to his soft-spoken ways and sparkle in his eyes. He was a storyteller and history buff?especially Native American history. He was truly a unique and special man. Ralph was? a Christian. He humbly trusted in Jesus? death and resurrection for the forgiveness of his sins and wanted God to direct his life. He recalled how participating in ?lay witness missions,? really solidified his faith. Ralph and Loretta were charter members of the American Reformed Church of Luverne and Ralph served on the consistory for many years as an Eldor & Decon. He also served on the Building Committee which built the present church. His prayers always reflected his gratefulness and love for his Savior and he always ended them ?in the sweet, sweet name of Jesus.? And now Ralph IS ? in the presence of the Lord and Savior he loved. We look forward to being reunited with him one day.