Ralph L. Bergquist

Ralph L. Bergquist of Detroit Lakes passed away peacefully on September 1, 2020, under the loving care of his family, Hospice of the Red River Valley and the care givers at Oak Crossing.

A Christian service will be held at Augustana Lutheran Church, Detroit Lakes, MN at 11:00 am on Saturday, September 19, 2020.

Ralph was born April 29,1926 in Detroit Lakes to Wilhelm and Nellie (Bakke) Bergquist of Lake Eunice township. He was baptized at First Lutheran Church, Detroit Lakes and confirmed at Augustana Lutheran Church, rural Detroit Lakes, where he remained an active, life-long member.

Ralph grew up on the family farm in Lake Eunice township and attended grade school at District 23 before continuing to Audubon Public School.

Ralph joined the Army in 1947 where he was a construction machine operator and a barracks guard. After his military service he drove truck for International Transport before taking over the family farm.

He was united in marriage to Lillian Engebretson at Augustana Lutheran Church and together they raised three sons.

Ralph will be remembered for his love of Westerns, both books and movies, horses and John Deere tractors.  He was an avid bowler, and bowled well into his 80’s.  He served on the Audubon Creamery Board, was part of the Big 5 Co-Op Board, as well as the Audubon Elevator Board.  He enjoyed trips to the Rollag Steam Threshers Reunion each fall and tending his garden.  Ralph’s greatest joy was spending time with his four grandchildren and visiting with family and friends.

Ralph is survived by his three sons, Al Bergquist of Detroit Lakes, MN, Dennis (Jen Hutzel) Bergquist of Audubon, MN and Joe (Kim) Bergquist of Detroit Lakes; four grandchildren, Justin Bergquist of Fargo, ND, Ashley Bergquist of Cape Coral, FL, Logan Bergquist (fiance’ Gabby Filley) of Fargo, ND and Tucker Bergquist of Detroit Lakes; one sister, Carol (Larry) Fast of Champlin, MN; sister-in-law, Phyllis Bergquist of Detroit Lakes; several nieces and nephews; and special angel Michele (Jawaan Collins) Jensen who took such loving care of him in his final years.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Cecil, Wilferd “Bill” and Charles Bergquist; sisters, Inez Haagenson, Doris Jones, Arlys Lindblad and Margery Laffen.