Ralph was a distinguished Korean War Veteran while serving in the Navy. Afterwards, he served in the Air National Guard. He was a proud member of the Masons, Shriners, Elk’s Club, VFW, American Legion, and a devout member of Divine Shepherd Lutheran Church. Survived by wife, Thelma; children, Nancy (John) Bowsman, Ron (Kathy), Rob (Diane), Kristi (Doug) Kelly, Doug (Ann); 15 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; six great-great-grandchildren; sister, Dee (Daryle) Winder; many nieces and nephews.
VISITATION: Monday, Dec 2, from 9-10am, with a CELEBRATION OF LIFE SERVICE following at 10am at Westlawn Hillcrest Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Ralph’s name can be donated to Shriners Hospital (2025 East River Pkwy. Minneapolis, MN 55414).
Ralph, along with his twin sister Ruth, were born in Des Moines, Iowa to Floyd and Waunita Hayner. The family added little sister Floidine years later. He played basketball for Abraham Lincoln High School with the nickname “Froggy.”
After high school, he served in the Korean War. On return he graduated from Simpson College. He served in the Air National Guard. He married Thelma L. Thompson in 1953. They were blessed with 5 children; Nancy, Ron, Rob, Kristi, and Doug. They gave them 15 grandchildren; Kellie, Matt, Quint, Danny, Reinie, Katy, Bubs, Carly, Travis, Tyler, Trent, Holly, Austin, Lindsay, and Lane, 25 great-grandchildren; Sadie, Sydnie, Gabriel, Lily, Madison, Page, Alec, Abby, Jordan, Brianna, Madalyn, Oscar, Olive, Dean, Ellie, Lanie, Gabby, CJ, Stella, Guyver, Dax, Farah, Monroe, Landyn and Jordyn, 6 great-great grandchildren; Landon, Caden, Gray, Axel, Jade and Genesis!
Ralph spent his professional career in the freight transportation industry starting with the Burlington Truck Lines, WNX and finished his career with ABF.
Ralph was active in the Elks, American Legion, VFW, Masons and the Shriners. Sports were always a big part of Ralph’s life starting with coaching little league basketball, to attending his many families sporting activities. He was a huge Nebraska Cornhusker fan. He remained active in golf, (achieving a hole in one), swimming, exercising at the gym and Shriner’s coffee and lunch groups. Ralph enjoyed traveling but most of all he loved his family celebrations.
Ralph was well known for his good sense of humor, his funny jokes, his laughs and these sayings: “If you can’t be good, be careful”;
“I may not always be right, but I’m never wrong”; “It’s toddy time!” and “Go Big Red.”
Ralph was a phenomenal family man and will be missed by all.
