Ralph Irvin Schreiner , 81, Minot, died Thursday, November 1, 2007 in a Minot Hospital.

Ralph was born July 23, 1926 at Alsen, North Dakota the son of Alex and Lydia (Feil) Schreiner. He was raised and educated in Munich and Grand Forks and served with the U.S. Army from 1944-1947 during World War II.

After receiving his honorable discharge, he returned to North Dakota and was united in marriage to Yvonne VanBerkom on June 24, 1949 at the Federated Church in Grand Forks.

He worked for Giese Supply in Grand Forks and later transferred with the Company to Minot. He worked for International Harvester Co and First National Bank (now Wells Fargo) until he retired. After retirement, he worked for Signal Realty and was a partner with Prairie Partners. Ralph was active in a number of Community organizations throughout his life. These included, a charter member of the Sertoma Club, serving as Alderman for the 5th Ward from 1966-1977, the Minot Jaycees, Minot Elks #1089, Minot Eagles Aerie, Minot American Legion, Minot Y's Men's Club and served that organization as Rodeo Chairperson, , Minot Country Club, Roosevelt PTA, Treasurer for the Minot Community Concert Assn, member of the Congregational United Church of Christ, where he served on the Church council, and Minot Recreation Commission. He was a lifetime member of the Cameron Indoor Tennis Center and was a charter member and currently serving on the Board of Regents at Minot State. He was chairman of the Minot Community Ambulance. He had received an award for being past chairman for the Pheasants for the Future.

Ralph had many hobbies. Talking to people was amongst his favorite. He loved people and no matter where he was, he had a special ability to make each person feel special. He enjoyed playing golf and tennis, and never missed a day of working out at the YMCA. He loved playing cards with his friends at the Elks. He also enjoyed going hunting with friends and family, and sitting in his sunroom and watching and telling his grandchildren about each bird in the backyard. He loved his apple orchard and trees and often gave a tour each time you visited. Ralph and Yvonne spent many winters in Palm Springs, where they had a wonderful group of friends and were very active in that community.

Most of all, Ralph enjoyed his family. You could always see him in a crowd and be sure to see a smile on his face. His children and grandchildren were the pride of his life. He played a very important role in each one of their lives. They all knew he was always there for them and supported many of their activities. To describe Ralph, everyone knew him as a gentleman, generous, very kind and loving. Everyone knew he had the best advice, which he only gave when asked, in his quiet and gentle manner. Ralph also thought that everyone deserved a second chance.

His loving family includes : wife of fifty-eight years, Yvonne; Children: Lance (Phyllis) Schreiner, Bismarck, ND, Ron (Celeste) Schreiner, Boca Raton, FL, Pam Schreiner Pearson, Minot, ND; Grandchildren: Kursteen (Eric) Dienert, Delayne (Mike) Ballard, Kurt Schreiner, Aaron Schreiner, Brady Pearson, Marlayna Schreiner, Paul Pearson & Laura Pearson. Brother, Gene Schreiner, Grand Forks, ND; great-grandchildren: Christin, Kailey and Taylor Dienert, along with a number of nieces, nephews and cousins.

Ralph was preceded in death by his parents, and sisters, Elaine Schreiner and Judy Brown

Funeral service : Monday, November 5, 2007 at 11:00am in the Congregational United Church of Christ, Minot.
Interment : Rosehill Memorial Park, Minot
Visitation : Sunday from Noon-4:00pm in the Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot
Memorials are preferred to the Congregational Church or organization of the donor's choice in lieu of flowers or plants.