SUNDE, Ralph Bernard 1916-2013

SUNDE, GULLICKSON, HANSEN, GROSZ, JONGELING, HILLBERG

Posted By: Diane M Scott (email)
Date: 4/3/2013 at 10:03:37

Ralph Bernard Sunde – September 5, 1916 – January 24, 2013

Ralph Sunde, 96 of Lester, IA, passed away on Thursday, January 24, 2013 at the Dougherty Hospice House.

Ralph B. Sunde, son of James and Anna Marie (Gullickson) Sunde, was born on September 5, 1916, in Madison, SD. He grew up and received his education graduating from Campbell High School. Ralph enlisted with the United States Navy in 1945, and served as a mail carrier until being honorably discharged in 1946. Ralph then continued his career with the United States Postal Service as a mail carrier until retiring in 1972 after 33 years of service.

Ralph was united in marriage with Diane Hansen on May 25, 1978, in Montevideo, MN. The couple made their home in Lester, IA.

Ralph had been a member of the Civilian Conservation Corps, a member of English Lutheran Church in Lester, IA, for over 30 years, a founder and member of the Horseless Carriage Club, the American Legion, and was a member of the National Association of Letter Carriers for over 70 years.

A hard worker, Ralph enjoyed quilting, wood carving, and restoring old cars. He was self-taught piano and was a member of a dance band. Some of Ralph's favorite days were spent at the cabin in Northern Minnesota fishing for Bass or Crappies. If you were ever up there fishing with him for crappies, it wouldn't be wise to gamble with him on who would catch the most. But it sure was fun!

Grateful for having shared his life are his wife Diane Sunde, Lester, IA; daughter Harriet Grosz, Sioux Falls, SD; step-daughter Pearline Jongeling and her husband David, Blackhawk, SD; two grandchildren, Mark Grosz and his wife Kathy, Sioux Falls, SD, Sheryl Hillberg and her husband Norm, Brookings, SD; four great-grandchildren, Nathaniel Grosz, Sioux Falls, SD, Grayson Grosz, Sioux Falls, SD, Chlöe Hillberg, Brookings, SD, Ethan Hillberg, Brookings, SD; two step-great-grandchildren, Reed Jongeling, Blackhawk, SD, Nate Jongeling, Blackhawk, SD; his cat Meiko; and many other relatives and friends.

Ralph was preceded in death by his parents, a sister Madgel Sunde, and six brothers Lee, Mel, Ed, Merle, Art, and Joe, and previous wife Pearl Sunde.

Visitation with the family present will be from 4 to 6 pm on Sunday, January 27, 2013, at Miller Funeral Home, 13th & Main, Sioux Falls, SD. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 am on Monday, January 28, 2013, at Peace Lutheran Church, in Rock Rapids, IA
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Hillside Cemetery, Lester, Lyon, Iowa
Tombstone Ralph B Sunde 1916—
Pearl Sunde 1909-1976