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Ralph E. Prescher, 88

Jul 16, 2017

Ralph Prescher

Blue Earth Ralph Edward Prescher was born in Barber Township, rural Delavan, on the family farm on Oct. 9, 1928 to Alma (Weise) and Frederick M. Prescher. Counting his faith in Christ and his family’s support as his greatest blessings, Ralph finished his course in faith on July 3, 2017 at Whitewater Healthcare Center, St. Charles.

Baptized, confirmed and married at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Emerald Township, Ralph held every lay office of the church. He sang in the church choir for 70 years. Gifted with music, Ralph soloed for hundreds of weddings, funerals, and special church occasions. In the last days, Ralph sang to his family members as they gathered around him. He began playing the saxophone at DHS, and continued to play and sing in the “Merry Makers” and “Change of Pace” bands for 50 years.

A 1946 graduate of Delavan High School, Ralph married his high school sweetheart, Delores Wallace on Aug. 22, 1948. Together they farmed the Prescher century farm. They were blessed with 69 years of marriage and three children.

Ralph served his community on the Barber Township Board; Minnesota Pork Producers Board; Delavan Board of Education; Bar-Cott 4-H; Delavan Elevator Board; President of the Minnesota Soybean Growers Association where he also served as the National Rep to Washington DC; Interfaith Caregivers; and as a Faribault County Commissioner for 11 years. He used his influence in these areas to promote research into alternative uses of soybeans and corn, to promote land conservation practices, and to see the need of others to be educated as well as cared for.

Ralph was blessed with his family who survive including his wife Delores; children, Diana (Jerry) Treptow, Gary (Judi Oothoudt) Prescher, Conie (Bill) Bengs; grandchildren, Jennifer, Jessica, Megan, Maura, Justin, and Marcia; great-grandchildren, Kate, Jaret, Arianna, Jacob, Isabel, Olivia, Colby, Ethan, Sadie, Noah, Elaine, and Harper; sister-in-law, Geneva Prescher; brothers and sisters-in-law: Charles (Margie) Wallace, William (Betty) Wallace, and nieces and nephews.

Ralphs parents, his brothers, Arnold and Roland, and sister-in-law, Everald preceded him in death.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, July 22, 2017, at 11 a.m., at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Blue Earth, with Rev. Matthew Lorfeld officiating. Burial will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, July 22, 2017 at Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery, Blue Earth. Visitation time will be 5-7 p.m. Friday, July 21, 2017, at Patton Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 400 E. 14th Street in Blue Earth.

The family thanks all who visited, sent cards, and prayed for Ralph. We are grateful to those who provided care and comfort at the St. Charles Assisted Living, Whitewater Healthcare Center, and Season’s Hospice. We appreciate the medical care provided by Dr. Lindy Hankel. A special thanks to Pastor Samuel Morsching, St. Matthew Lutheran Church, St. Charles, for ministering to Ralph with Word and Sacrament and to Pastor Matthew Lorfeld for his visit.

Web tributes may be left at www.pattonfh.com. A memorial has been established in Ralph’s name.