A live stream of the service can be viewed at https://www.mtmsales.net/thomas A download copy of the stream will be available after 7pm tonight for a replay of the service.

Ralph Birdsall, 81, Berthold, died Wednesday, July 1, 2020 in a Minot assisted living facility.

Ralph Owen Birdsall was born November 2, 1938 in Minot, ND to Donald and Evelyn (Moger) Birdsall. He was raised and educated in Passport Township until the 7 ^th grade and graduated from Berthold High School in 1956. He attended NDSU in Fargo.

Ralph was united in marriage to Phyllis Mann on August 18, 1957 in Lonetree. They called a farm in Passport Township home for the next 51 years. Together they operated a family farm that raised cattle, produced small grains and saw the blessing of four children. They moved from the farm into Berthold in 2008. Phyllis died November 6, 2018.

Ralph was a longtime member of Berthold Baptist Church and was active in the church council and board along with serving as a Deacon, Trustee and Sunday school teacher. He was also a member of Berthold Farmers Union Board for 18 years, Ward County Farmers Union Board, Verendrye Rural Electric Board for 39 years as secretary, ND Statewide Rural Electric Board for 25 years as executive secretary, Passport Township Board as secretary, Berthold Development Board for many years and Berthold Lions Club for 45 years. He received the FFA Honorary Chapter Farmer Award and NDSU Harvest Bowl Award.

Ralph loved attending his children and grandchildren's many activities. He enjoyed his membership to the Berthold Senior Citizens Center. In addition to farming, Ralph enjoyed traveling and played trumpet in the Berthold Community Band.

Ralph and Phyllis took much pride in their family and community, always doing their very best to attend any or all events.

Ralph was always willing to try new and innovative ideas and practices on the farm.  He was the first in the area to start custom spraying with his father in law with a "spray coupe". He was also one of the pioneers in adapting to less tillage and using a direct seeding process that is now generally accepted throughout the area.   On the farm, Ralph enjoyed harvest the most.  He was the happiest running a red combine with Phyllis beside him in the cab.   Ralph did his best to make sure knowledge was passed along to the next generation, always involving young family members, giving them the opportunity to operate equipment on the farm and letting them make their own decisions and mistakes.  This showed us all how truly patient he was.

Ralph was always very involved in his church and local boards and organizations when needed.  He also had a strong commitment and involvement with Verendrye Electric Cooperative.  This board required much time at meetings and on the road, but was an example to us all of how important being involved and active can be.  Ralph also had a strong Christian faith and showed that daily in his actions.    He will be deeply missed by all who were blessed to share in his life.

Ralph is survived by: his children, Debbie (Jack) Hansen, Berthold, Mark (Colleen) Birdsall, Berthold, Leanne (Jim) Peterson, Berthold and Craig (DeAnn) Birdsall, Carpio; grandchildren, Jory (Missy) Hansen, Cody (Brittany) Hansen, Whitney (Sam) Landman, Danae (Blake) Inman, Kyle Peterson, Abbey (Derek) Lee, Tyler Birdsall, Adam Birdsall, Rachel (Adam) Knudsvig and Sara Birdsall; great-grandchildren, Molly, Cally, Brody, Brycen, and Colten Hansen, Owen, Emma and Autumn Inman, and Charlie Landman; sister-in-law, Carole Luetzen, Sheridan, WY; along with numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Ralph was preceded in death by his parents, wife Phyllis, grandson, Matthew Birdsall, great-grandchildren, Hayden and Kade Hansen, brother Russell Birdsall and mother and father-in-law, Lewis and Wilma Mann.

Ralph is survived by: his children, Debbie (Jack) Hansen, Berthold, Mark (Colleen) Birdsall, Berthold, Leanne (Jim) Peterson, Berthold and Craig (DeAnn) Birdsall, Carpio; grandchildren, Jory (Missy) Hansen, Cody (Brittany) Hansen, Whitney (Sam) Landman, Danae (Blake) Inman, Kyle Peterson, Abbey (Derek) Lee, Tyler Birdsall, Adam Birdsall, Rachel (Adam) Knudsvig and Sara Birdsall; great-grandchildren, Molly, Cally, Brody, Brycen, and Colten Hansen, Owen, Emma and Autumn Inman, and Charlie Landman; sister-in-law, Carole Luetzen, Sheridan, WY; along with numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Ralph was preceded in death by his parents, wife Phyllis, grandson, Matthew Birdsall, great-grandchildren, Hayden and Kade Hansen, brother Russell Birdsall and mother and father-in-law, Lewis and Wilma Mann.

Family Funeral service :  Due to COVID Restrictions, a family service will take place on Wednesday, July 8, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. in the Berthold Baptist Church, Berthold. Immediate and extended family are welcome to attend. A livestream of the service can be viewed by accessing https://www.mtmsales.net/thomas . Public Graveside service : Wednesday, July 8 ^th at Noon in Wildrose Cemetery, Berthold.
Public Visitation, Public Prayer Service & Public Gathering with social distancing guidelines observed : Tuesday, July 7 ^th from Noon-2:00 p.m. in Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot and from 4:00 -7:00 p.m. at the Berthold Baptist Church with a public prayer service to follow on Tuesday at 7:00 p.m. in the Church.
Memorials are preferred to Berthold Baptist Church or FFA Berthold Chapter.

Ralph Birdsall Flower Pictures