To view a recording of the service access: https://www.mtmsales.net/thomas

To view the flowers from Ralph's service, click here: Ralph Aberle Flowers

Ralph Allen Aberle , 77, of Minot, ND, passed away Wednesday, February 28, 2024 in a Minneapolis hospital.

Ralph was born May 31, 1946, to Joseph and Catherine (Schan) Aberle in Minot, ND. He was raised and educated in Verendrye and Karlsruhe. He excelled in basketball, football, and track. After graduating in 1965, he continued operating the family dairy farm.

Ralph married his high school sweetheart, Mary Ann (Duchsherer) on June 11, 1966. Together, they moved to Minot in 1971 where they raised their 4 children, Shelley, Dean, Todd and Stephanie, in the home he helped to build.

Ralph worked at Feist Construction for 5 years before starting his 38 ½ year career working for the North Dakota Department of Transportation. Through his employment with the state, Ralph received many awards and recognitions. Alongside his full-time job, he kept himself busy with various side projects including construction, concrete work, plant deliveries, and snow removal.

After his retirement in 2016, Ralph enjoyed his days as a proud full-time grandpa. Giving rides and driving lessons, attending practices and sporting events, trailering horses and watching rodeos, school programs, playing games, telling stories, hunting and fishing; if his kids or grandkids were involved, he was too. Ralph enjoyed spending time out on the ranch helping with anything he could and sitting to enjoy the scenery and wildlife. He could often be found tinkering, rolling silverware, and tending his garden.

Ralph wore many hats, literally and figuratively, and was always willing to help. He was a jack of all trades; whether lending a hand or an ear, he provided comfort and solution which earned him the #1 spot on everyone's speed dial. His gentle touch made him the grandkids' favorite choice for helping to get loose teeth out with "just a little flick". Ralph was not only generous in giving of his time, but also donated blood regularly; he received his 9-gallon pin in 2020.

Ralph was a man of few words, but as he led by example, his wisdom spoke volumes. His strong and unwavering faith demonstrated his love and close relationship he had with Jesus.

He will be lovingly remembered and dearly missed by his loving wife of 57 years, Mary, Minot; children, Shelley (Brad) Flom, Dean Aberle, Todd (Domini) Aberle, all of Minot and Stephanie Aberle [Tucson, AZ]; grandchildren, McKayla (Collin) Moum, Courtney Flom, both of Minot, Hannah Aberle, Valley City, ND, Kaeden Aberle, Ralie Aberle, Kuemper Aberle, all of Minot, Logan Farhat, Tucson, AZ, Reyna Aberle, Minot; great-grandchildren, Carter Moum and Mason Moum, both of Minot; Vivian Tran and Hannah Tran of California, whom he loved as his own grandchildren; siblings, Edward (Beatrice) Aberle, Richard (Rose) Aberle, Rose (Joe) Klassen, Joe Aberle, Rita Aberle, Karl Aberle, John (Patty) Aberle, Clem Aberle; sister-in-law, Gloria Aberle; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Catherine Aberle; brother, Leo Aberle; sister, Kathryn Paulson; and sister-in-law, Dorothy Aberle.

Celebration of Life for Ralph Aberle: 11:00 a.m. Monday, March 11, 2024, at The Pursuit Church, Minot. To view a livestream of the service access: https://www.mtmsales.net/thomas
Interment: Rosehill Memorial Park, Minot, ND
Visitation: Sunday, March 10, 2024, from 3:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. at the Thomas Family Funeral Home.
Memorials are preferred to The Pursuit Church in Minot or consider in Ralph's memory a donation to a local blood bank to help save a life.