Thief River Falls - Ralph Jorstad, 57, died Monday, August 23, 1999 at his home in Thief River Falls.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Thursday, August 26 at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Thief River Falls. Joyce Halbasch will be the organist, and vocal music will be provided by Wayne Rolf. Casketbearers will be Kevin Klockman, Wayne Liden, Daryl Weigsel, Wade Hruby, Donny Weigel and Butch Olson. Burial will be in Greenwood Cemetery in Thief River Falls.
Visitation will be held from noon to 7 p.m. with a 7 p.m. prayer service today (Wednesday, August 25) at Green Funeral Home in Thief River Falls.
Ralph Jorstad was born on March 4, 1942, the son of Harold and Gladys (Nelson) Jorstad. He was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith and attended school in Thief River Falls, graduating in 1960.
During his senior year in high school, Ralph started working for Les Ihle Insurance and continued working in the insurance business with Auto Owners Insurance Company until 1962. He later owned and operated Izzy's Bar and the Covered Wagon bar in Thief River Falls. In 1971 he went to work at Stordahl trucking and worked there until 1979. He also worked as night manager for Pepsi Cola Bottling Company and at Super 8 motel until he retired due to ill health in November of 1995.
On October 20, 1962 Ralph was united in marriage to Diane Haugen at Trinity Lutheran Church in Thief River Falls where the couple made their home. Diane died on January 22, 1999.
He enjoyed gardening, cutting wood, fishing, crossword puzzles, watching sports on television and spending time with his grandsons.
Ralph is survived by one son, David (Valerie) Jorstad and one daughter, Kristi Jorstad, both of Thief River Falls; four grandsons; one brother, Don (Pat) Jorstad of Thief River Falls; and many other relatives.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Diane; his parents; and one brother, Robert. A00003B1999AG25