Ralph Clarence Lundeen of Cokato, Minnesota, passed away on November 29, 2020 at the age of 90 at his home in Cokato surrounded by the loving care of his family.
Ralph was born in Cokato on August 12, 1930, to Clarence and Margaret Lundeen. He was the eldest of four children. He attended school through eighth grade and then worked at the family farm.
Ralph served in Korea (1952-1954) in the 45th Division 180th Tank Co. He was a tank gunner at “Heartbreak Ridge” who made time to assist the chaplain, encouraging troops on the front line. Also during his time in Korea, he completed his GED. After the war, Ralph returned to Cokato and on August 26, 1955 married Margaret Ann (Peggy) Nyquist. They were blessed with 65 years of marriage, eight children, 17 grandchildren, and 24 great-grandchildren.
In 1957 Ralph invested in a commercial sewing machine and started an upholstery business. He built his business by word of mouth and by going door to door from Delano to Litchfield, Annandale to Hutchinson. Soon Ralph started selling furniture and floor covering. Lundeen Furniture and Upholstery was an integral part of a thriving downtown business community in Cokato from the sixties through the eighties. He was involved in starting the Cokato Ambulance Service in 1977 and served as its first director.
Ralph was a longtime member of Elim Mission Church and served in many capacities throughout the years. He lived his life serving others. His many acts of love and kindness were often known only to those he served. Ralph numbered his days well serving God and others and had a heart of wisdom.
Ralph is survived by his wife Peggy; children Becky (Dan) Bravinder, Vicky (Paul) Neighbors, Randy (Phyllis) Lundeen, Patty (Spencer) Olson, Joel (Lisa Mae) Lundeen, Cheryl (Mike) Mabin, David Juntunen; grandchildren Derek Bravinder, Alicia Walkes, Andrea Wilson, Seth Bravinder, Jonathan Neighbors, Reid Neighbors, Emily Dresow, Anna Neighbors, Whitney Malovrh, Amanda Lundeen, Rebecca Lundeen, Alex Lundeen, Joshua Olson, Kassandra Shimotsu, Michael Lundeen, Brianna Lundeen, Remii Juntunen; and 24 great-grandchildren.
Ralph was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Kenneth Lundeen, sisters Betty Dahlin, Kay Stenberg, and son Richard Lundeen.
A memorial service will be held at 2:00 PM on Sunday, December 20, 2020 at Highland Community Church in Cokato, a live stream will be available.