Ralph E. Ohlgren

Ralph E. Ohlgren, 93, Moose Lake, died peacefully on Tuesday, February 22, 2011 in Mercy Hospital, Moose Lake. He was born on August 15, 1917 in Moose Lake Township to Lawrence and Olga Ohlgren. Ralph was a Survivor of the 1918 Moose Lake Fire. He attended school in Moose Lake and later farmed with his parents. Ralph began working with the Civilian Conservation Corps in Northern Minnesota until being drafted in the United States Army in 1941. He was a World War II Veteran serving in the 34th Infantry in North Africa, Sicily, and Italy. Among the medals that Ralph was awarded were the Purple Heart and the Oak Leaf Cluster. After serving his country proudly, Ralph returned to Moose Lake and took over the family farm. On June 26, 1948, Ralph married Lorna Paulson in Moose Lake. Ralph worked for the Department of Corrections at the Willow River Camp for 20 years retiring in 1979. He continued to farm through the years.

Ralph was a Charter Member of Hope Lutheran Church in Moose Lake. He also was a member of the Disabled American Veterans and The Norse Federation. Ralph loved spending time with his family, reading, and being on the farm.

Ralph was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers: Arnold and Ove Ohlgren; and three sisters: Alice Podobinski; Marie Eng; and Ingrid Lumby.

He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 62 years, Lorna; a son: Russell (Deborah) Ohlgren of Maple Lake, MN; a daughter: Marlene (Paul) Heesch of Waite Park; three grandchildren: Janelle Heesch, Amy Whaley, and Eric Ohlgren; a sister-in-law: Arvilla Ohlgren of Minneapolis; and several nieces and nephews.

Visitation was held on Sunday, February 27, 2011 from 2-4 PM in Hamlin-Hansen-Kosloski Funeral Home, Moose Lake and continue on Monday, February 28, 2011 from 10 AM until the 11 AM service in Hope Lutheran Church, Moose Lake. Pastor Reggie Denton was the officiate. Burial with Military Honors were held in Riverside Cemetery, Moose Lake.

Arrangements by Hamlin-Hansen-Kosloski Funeral Home, Moose Lake.