Born in Jordan, Minnesota on April 30, 1924 to Fred and Mary Stocker, Ralph was the first of their four children. He attended St. John's School in Jordan, where he was confirmed into the Catholic faith as Saint Peter, the patron saint of harvesters. At the age of 12, Ralph and his family moved to a farm near East Grand Forks and he attended Pleasant View Farm School through eighth grade.

Ralph worked alongside his father and brother, Ray, on the farm from 1937 until 1983; enjoying countless days in the sun and always praying to Saint Isidore the Farmer for a good harvest.

He met his sweet pea and queenie, Dolores Travnicek, and the two were married on December 28, 1943 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. The pair were blessed with 10 daughters and son-in-laws, 27 grandchildren, and nearly 65 great/great-great grandchildren as they celebrated 75 wonderful years of love together. Forever known as Ralph and Dee, the duo became nearly inseparable in their countless travels around the country visiting their many friends across the United States before spending their winters at their home in Mesa, Arizona.

In 1945, Ralph answered the call to serve his country as a Navy Seaman 2nd Class where he was enlisted for 14 months during World War II. Following his discharge, Ralph was a lifetime member at the East Grand Forks Post 157 American Legion.

Ralph could often be found inside a University of North Dakota athletics facility, cheering on the Fighting Sioux. If there was a home UND event, you would often find him in his familiar seat and always sharing a tub of popcorn with Dee. He, alongside Dee, were named as Honorary Letterwinners by the Athletics Department in 2012 where they continued to cement their relationships with a host of student-athletes by having them over for dinners and always enjoying great conversation, often beyond their playing days.

He would also boast his own athletic achievements on the golf course and the bowling alley. Ralph was a charter member of the Valley Golf Association in 1983 and was always willing to sneak in 18 holes with Dee and his friends. The duo also spent 40+ years bowling together in a mixed league or tearing up the dance floor to their favorite songs.

Known for his quiet, calm demeanor, Ralph was always ready to crack a joke, give a hug or tell you that you were loved. He proclaimed himself the "King of the Castle" and now rests eternally in God's castle.

Ralph is survived by Daughters and Families:

Darlyne (Dave) Smith; Jeff (Susan) Charlotte, Hannah, Porter, Djeneva, Kevin, Andy; Mimi, Abriana, Amelinda, Alex, Kaley, Nayeli, Cristian, Gabriel;

Steve (Lynn) Katie, Michael, Megan;

Amy (James) Fornshell, Lauren, Shannon, Natalie;

Jim Vigen; Laurie (David) Mihalik, Ehrich Rodgers;

Jackie Yeigh, Kylie, Austin, Kate, Aaron;

Jody (Mark) Roble, Andrew (Stacy), Brayden, Baby due 12/20; Leah, Amber;

Cathy (Rick) Coulter; Chris (Danette), Gracie, Jack, Max;

Jill (Mark) Korynta, Bailey;

Linda (Denny) DeMers; Marc (Veronica), Cecelia, Amelie; Javi LaMora, Cambrie;

Kari (Dave) Zavoral, Isaac, Lilah, Asher, Micah, Stella, Judah, Sylvia;

Becky (Tim) Gaddie; Ryan (Kris), Alexandra (Dustin);

Ian (Dinah), Ellis, Silas, Lael;

Amber (Chris) Hunt, Bailey, Elise, Lilly;

Peggy (Jeff) Arne; Sara (Nate) O'Tool, Regan, Ryan, Liam;

Jessica (Darin) Amsberry, Hudson, Lincoln;

Pam (Gabe) Gabriel; Joe (Tanya), Will, Bridget, Lily;

Nick (Sara) Jacob, Elise;

Kim Kaiser; Jamie (Nina), Rylan, Brennan, Grayson, Kaden, Kora;

Jason (Jeena), Koby, Norah, Lola;

Joshua (Alison), Theodore, Elyza;

Teri (Steve) Johnson; Blake, Alec;

Cindy (Chuck) Proulx; Anna (Alex Beck), Emily, Claire, Samantha

Siblings: Ray (Joyce) Stocker, Bob (Marj) Stocker, Betty Engelstad

And many nieces and nephews.

Ralph is preceded in death by:

Spouse: Dolores (Travnicek)

Daughter: Rae Ann Vigen

Parents: Fred and Mary Stocker

Son-in-Law: Greg Kaiser

Grandchild: Joseph Smith

Great Grandchild: Isabella and Julia Fornshell; Ashlyn Shogren Smith

Brother-in-Law: Ralph Engelstad.

Funeral Liturgy: 10:30 a.m. Saturday, November 7, 2020 in Sacred Heart Catholic Church, East Grand Forks, MN.

Visitation: One hour prior to the liturgy in the church on Saturday.

Interment: Resurrection Cemetery, East Grand Forks, MN.

Military Honors: Accorded by members of the American Legion Post 157, the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3817 and the United States Navy Reserve.

Due to COVID-19 Concerns: masks and social distancing are required.

We are forever thankful to the many healthcare workers at Valley Senior Living, especially Jess, who devoted their time, talent and love to Ralph's care over the years.

Ralph's family has requested that memorials be given to the Sacred Heart Foundation (Ralph & Dolores Scholarship) or Hospice of the Red River Valley.

To livestream this funeral please click this link:

http://sacredheartegf.net/parish