Ralph Monroe Swenson

ralph swenson

Ralph Monroe Swenson, age 81, was born on December 14, 1940 near Flom, MN, to John Theodore Swenson and Bernice Margaret (Johnson) Swenson. After a hard-fought battle with cancer, Ralph passed away on Monday, June 6 at his home in Moorhead, MN with his wife Delight by his side, and surrounded by his loved ones.

Ralph held very fond memories of growing up and working on the farm with his mom and dad, brother Wayne, the family’s tractor, and best friend and dog, Buster. You would never find Ralph without his Daisy BB gun by his side, always looking for an opportunity to cause a little mischief. Ralph’s strong work ethic rewarded him with his first car, a blue 1950 Ford.

After several years of helping local farmers, Ralph began working at the Flom Co-Op Creamery in 1958. He then moved to Moorhead, MN in 1959 to be with his lil’ darlin’, Delight, and started working at Town and Country Flowers. He married Delight Ann Ruther on December 10, 1960, and together they raised 3 children: Bradley, Shelley, and Jonathan. He was a very loving and committed husband and father.

In 1963, Ralph began his career with FM Vending. He was known for his kindness, his reliability, and easily recognized in the FM Area driving his 1990 Chevy Silverado. Ralph and his truck retired after 42 years as General Manager in 2005.

Ralph spent his retirement working hand-in-hand with Delight on a variety of woodworking and outdoor projects. He was very detail-oriented and it showed in his exceptional work. Ralph leaves behind a legacy of family heirlooms that will be cherished for many years to come. He enjoyed bird-watching, gardening, landscaping, traveling, and spending time with his 7 grandchildren. One of his fondest projects was building his new garage in 2006, his favorite place to be.

Ralph is survived by his wife, Delight; children, Shelley (David) and Jonathan; brother, Wayne; grandchildren, Lexi, Levi, Ben, Emiley, Ana, Andy, and Ean; daughter-in-law Anne; and extended family and friends. He was preceded in death by his son, Bradley; and sister-in-law, Virginia (Wood) Swenson.

The Swensons would like to thank Dr. Panwalkar and Dr. Jensen for their excellent care, Pastor Vickie Haverkamp, as well as RN Corey and CNA Diego, and the entire Hospice team at HRRV.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 2PM on Saturday, June 18, 2022, with visitation one hour prior, at Boulger Funeral Home and Celebration of Life Center, Fargo.

In lieu of flowers, donations are preferred to Hospice of the Red River Valley.
Hospice of the Red River Valley – Acceptiva

Services

Visitation: June 18, 2022 1:00 pm

Boulger Funeral Home and Celebration of Life Center
123 10th Street
South Fargo, ND 58103


Celebration of Life: June 18, 2022 2:00 pm

Boulger Funeral Home and Celebration of Life Center
123 10th Street
South Fargo, ND 58103


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  1. Sorry to see another Swenson leave us. My strongest memory of Ralph is how happy he was to be DONE with having animals living in his house. No more dogs, cats, hamsters, rabbits, whatever. He also told me the best way to deal with insurance is to just send them their premiums. Don’t ask them to cover any losses, and don’t expect them to if you do ask. That way, you won’t be disappointed in them.

  2. So sorry for your loss! My heart is with everyone in the Swenson family at this difficult time. I only met Ralph once, but he certainly struck me as someone special. He will surely be missed.

  3. Our deepest sympathy to Delight and family in the loss of Ralph. Carl worked for Ralph in the Wahpeton area.

  4. Delight and Jon, we are very sorry to hear about the passing of Ralph. Amy and I send our deepest sympathy to you at this difficult time. Love, Darren and Amy.

  5. My uncle was truly an inspiration to me. I always said he should have been a stand up comedian. Rest in peace Ralph.

  6. Thank you, Ralph, for the family you forged, the home you built, and the memories and gifts you’ve left.

  7. My heart is with the Swensons in this difficult time. Jon, Lexi, and Delight – sending all of my love.

  8. Delight and family, So sorry to see Ralph’s passing. I remember visiting the family when my Dad Carl worked for Ralph at FM Vending. He was such a character and always had a smile when I saw him. I will cherish the memories. May God surround you with comfort during these days.

  9. So sorry for your loss. I only had the opportunity to meet Ralph a handful of times, but it was abundantly clear from those times and through Jon what a great person he was and what a positive impact he made on everyone around him.

  10. Our deepest sympathies to you Auntie Delight! Also for you Shelley and Jon.He was an awesome Uncle. I remember all the fun times at your house. And the fun Halloween party you had. I also remember when I was little, my dad was at the farm, I think. I got sick and mom and Uncle Ralph took me to the hospital. He carried me in. He smelled so good!
    He will be truly missed!
    Love you both so much

  11. Our deepest sympathies to you Auntie Delight! Also for you Shelley and Jon.He was an awesome Uncle. I remember all the fun times at your house. And the fun Halloween party you had. I also remember when I was little, my dad was at the farm, I think. I got sick and mom and Uncle Ralph took me to the hospital. He carried me in. He smelled so good!
    He will be truly be missed!
    Love you both so much!💕

  12. I will always treasure our deep conversations. I will miss Ralph’s contagious laughter. My thoughts and prayers for Delight, Shelley and Family, Jon and Lexi will continue. This world is a better place because of Ralph.

  13. So sorry for the loss of Ralph. Sending thoughts and prayers to Delight and family. Ralph was a wonderful husband, and father and I always loved visiting with him. He was a true gem!! 💖

  14. I feel thankful to have met this wonderful man and have a lot of gratitude to both him and Delight for all their kindness. I felt his great sense of humour, warmth and could see he’d achieved so much in life. My sympathies are with Ralph’s family and I hope you can all find comfort and peace in knowing he left a loving impression on so many people. Rest in peace and god bless. x

  15. Delight and family,
    I’m a cousin of Ralph’s also from Flom. It’s been a few years, since I’d seen him, but he still had that same big smile. Our thought and prayers.
    Diane Johnson Arends


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