Dr. Ralph Michael Helm, 77 Park Rapids - Dr. Ralph Michael Helm, 77, of Park Rapids and formerly of Thief River Falls, passed away at his home on Saturday, May 22, 2004. Ralph was born on August 1, 1926 to Michael and Erna (Graf) Helm in Streeter, N.D. He attended grade school in Jamestown, N.D. and moved to Grand Forks, N.D. at the age of 12. As a boy, Ralph was involved in the Scouting program, carning his Eagle Scout Award. He graduated from Central High School in Grand Forks with the class of 1944. He did his undergraduate work at the University of Wisconsin-Madison where he was enrolled in the Reserve Officer Training Program (ROTC). He proudly served his country in the United States Navy in the Pacific Theatre of World War II. Following his honorable discharge in 1946, Ralph attended the National College of Chiropractic of Chicago, Ill. and after graduation in 1950, he practiced in Thief River Falls for 41 years. On November 28, 1947, Ralph was united in marriage to Helen Tweten, the prettiest girl in East Grand Forks. They made their home in Thief River Falls until their retirement to Two Inlets Lake near Park Rapids. Ralph was an active member of Zion Lutheran Church and was the church's first president. He was involved in the Elk's, Eagles, American Legion, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars. He also served on the Thief River Falls School Board. Ralph loved living at his lake home and traveling in his RV around the country. Ralph and Helen fulfilled their dream of seeing the entire United States. He had many hobbies including hunting, bowling and reading. He had a profound interest in history and in building fine furniture. Above all, he loved his family, friends and his dog, Sandy. He will be missed by everyone that knew and loved him. He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of over 56 years, Helen; his daughters, Kathy Siwek (fiancé Mark Nephew) of Crookston, Kristy (John) Buck of Naples, Fla., Kerry (James) Seim of Minnetonka; his son, Rod (Jolene) Helm of Minneapolis; his grandchildren, Shawn Siwek (special friend Stephanie Kelly), Jennifer (Ben) Peterson, JC Buck, Michelle Buck, Dan Seim, Alexa and Charlie Helm; and two great-granddaughters, Hannah and Macey Peterson; as well as other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents. Funeral services will be held at 5 p.m. on May 28 at the Jones-Pearson Funeral Home in Park Rapids, with Reverend Gene Broughton officiating, with visitation from 3 to 5 p.m. at the funeral home. Pam Harris will be the soloist. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Hubbard County Humane Society and the Grand Forks Salvation Army. A00003B2004MY26

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