Ralph Schwartz, 82, Kenmare, formerly of Minot, died Thursday, February 28, 2008, in a Mohall nursing home.

Jacob Ralph Schwartz, better known as Ralph, was born April 24, 1925, near Kenmare to Jacob and Tessie (Ankenbauer) Schwartz. Ralph knew the meaning of hard work from the time he could walk helping on the family farm. He attended country school as well as Kenmare High School.

Ralph married Maxine Modin in 1945. The couple continued farming north of Kenmare. In 1955, Ralph and family moved to Minot. Ralph was a jack of all trades and has shown his varied interests and handy work in many ways over the years. He was a carpenter and did sheetrock work for eighteen years. Farming was his primary interest and he was happiest when he was on a tractor or combine. He has always had a winning smile, a keen sense of humor, liked to tease, enjoyed country and gospel music, never met a stranger, and had a willingness to help everyone.

Surviving family includes: Wife: Maxine, Minot; Children: Linda (Chris) Pettersen, Minot, Douglas (Brenda) Schwartz, Mohall, Debra (Alan) Schafer, Minot; Daughter-in-law: Cindy Schwartz, Rugby; Grandchildren: Christel (Paul) Laskowski, Minot, Kimberly (Brian) VanWinkle, Big Lake, MN, Alicia Pettersen, Minot, Shawn (Jamie) Schafer, Burlington, Eric Schafer, Mandan, Katherine and Thomas Schwartz, Rugby; Great-Grandchildren: Preston Pettersen, Hudson Schafer; Brothers: Otis Schwartz, MN, AD Schwartz, Kenmare; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Ralph was preceded in death by his parents, son: Perry, brothers: Earl, Owen, and Clarence; sisters: Hazel Engleman, Orpha Clark, Evelyn McGillivrary, and Opal Townsend.

Funeral: Monday, March 3, 2008, at 11:00 a.m., in First Assembly of God, Minot.
Interment: Rosehill Memorial Park, Minot.
Visitation: Sunday, March 2, 2008, from noon until 5:00 p.m. in the Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.
In lieu of plants and flowers, memorials are preferred to the donor's choice.