Ralph Schoephoerster

Died Jan. 27, 2015, at Bethany Nursing Home at 42^nd after 26 years of fighting, mostly with a smile, Parkinson's Disease plus multiple other health problems.

Born August 8, 1935 in Lisbon, ND.  Parents Ida and Elmer Schoephoerster.  Ralph graduated from Lisbon High School and for a short time attended Mayville State College playing football. 

Ralph held numerous jobs as a youth in Lisbon.  Ralph went to work for Otter Tail Power in 1957 as a lineman.  He was drafted into the Army 1958.   Following his Service, Ralph returned to work for the power company.   In 1989 at age 53 early onset Parkinson’s was diagnosed.  Dr.s said it had been working in his body probably 10 years prior.  He was on long term disability by age 59.

Ralph married Betty Moxness of Wahpeton, North Dakota, Jan. 14, 1961.  Due to advancements within Otter Tail Power, Ralph worked in the following areas: Jamestown, ND; Devils Lake, ND; Fergus Falls, MN; Wahpeton, ND; Crookston, MN; and Twin Valley, MN.  Ralph was a Service Representative for most of those years.  In 1993 Ralph received one of Otter Tail Power's highest awards.  He was one of three awarded the Presidential Award for Outstanding Service. 

Ralph and Betty raised two sons, Randy and Rick, in Twin Valley, MN.  In Twin Valley, Ralph was active and held offices in Booster Club, Lions Club, Zion Lutheran Church, bowling leagues, etc and was a 20-year veteran of the volunteer Fire Department.

In 2000, Ralph and Betty moved to Perham to help son Randy in a marine dealership.  In 2006, they moved to Roseau to help out son Rick- granddaughter Madi Jo.  In 2009 they moved to Fargo, ND to be closer to medical specialists.  In 2010 April, Ralph moved to Bethany Nursing Home.

Ralph’s passions were always:  family first, then lawn, garden, camping, sports (Vikings) and deer hunting.  Deer hunting was on his mind by Sept of each year even in years when he had to have his sons bring him to the hunting areas & get him into a lawn chair in order to post. The last year he hunted 2009 he did so from a wheelchair.  For 10 years of basketball, football, track, baseball, he rarely missed a son's game.  Somehow, he planned out his work schedule.

Ralph was preceded in death by his parents and four brothers:  Harold, Roy, Merle, and Dale; sister-in-law Norma.  He is survived by his wife, Betty (Fargo), two sons:  Rick, wife Sheila, and granddaughter Madison (Thief River Falls); Randy, wife Janet, grandchildren: Danielle, Megan, Matt (Shakopee, MN); 1 brother:  Delbert, wife Helen (Phoenix, AZ); sister-in-laws Allie (Lodi, WI); Pat (Howard Lake, MN) fourteen nieces and nephews.

Ralph resided for almost 5 years at Bethany Nursing Homes.   3.5 yrs at University campus and remainder at 42^nd.  Thanks to the great staff at each campus.

In lieu of flowers Ralph would like memorials be sent to Great Plains Food Bank, Fargo, ND, or Twin Valley Rescue Squad, Twin Valley, MN.  Online guestbook is at www.boulgerfuneralhome.com