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Ralph Klug Obituary
Ralph Clarence Klug was born November, 4, 1940 the son of Ralph P. and Leah (Hass) Klug in Dickinson, ND. He moved with his family to Mandan, ND and graduated from Mandan High School. Ralph married Geraldine Floy on June 13, 1959 at Mandan United Methodist Church in Mandan. Following their marriage, they continued to live in Mandan until moving to Fargo, ND. In 1962, they moved to Grand Forks, ND where Ralph was employed with the Civil Service Department of the United States Air Force as a Supply Training Officer. He retired on January 3, 1995. He was preceded in death by his wife on August 14, 2000. Ralph continued to reside in Grand Forks until his death. He was a member of the Malta Lodge 131 A.F. and A. M. of Grand Forks. Ralph enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and nieces and nephews. He was an avid sports fan and enjoyed going to hockey games, football games, basketball games, and bike riding. He is survived by, a daughter Kim (Mark) Wurzbacher, Grand Forks, ND; sisters, Pat (Dan) Kautzman, Bismarck, ND, Linda Wheler, Michigan, Nadine (Nick) Ressler, Mandan, ND; brothers, Ken (Debbie) Klug, Bismarck, ND, Mike (Rita) Klug, Mandan, ND and grandchildren, Bri Ann and Broc Ryan Wurzbacher, Grand Forks, ND. He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife Geraldine. The family requests that memorials be given to: The American Cancer Society, 1832 So. Washington St., Grand Forks, ND Visitation: 5 to 7 p.m. Monday with a 7:00 p.m. prayer service in Gregory J. Norman Funeral Chapel. Services: 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, March 9, 2004 in Gregory J. Norman Funeral Chapel. Interment: Memorial Park Cemetery, Grand Forks, ND. (Gregory J. Norman-Norman Funeral Home, So. Washington St.)
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Fay Alton
March 29, 2004
Dear Kim and family: I was so sorry to get the news about Ralph. Your folks were such special friends. We were friends in high school, while in college in Fargo and I have remained in contact with them all these years. I always looked forward to my christmas card from them. Even after dear Jeri passed away, Ralph continued to write and let me know how he and your family were doing. I loved them both very much and will miss the card each year. Your dad was such a great dancer and I loved all the good times we had. His laugh will never be forgotten. Much love to you and your family. (My previous married name was Childs).
S. Janet (Iris) Zander
March 14, 2004
Dear Kim,
Only very recently did I hear about your Dad's cancer and the news brought no indication of how advanced it was. With the initial news our eighth grade teacher (Sr. Marmion, now Helen) and I were reminiscing about the huge pageant held at St. Joseph's Grade School in Mandan--"The Journey of the Kings"--in which your Dad played the part of an ostrich. She recalled that in his short, "feather" costume he had to wear nylon stockings to cover bare legs and, waiting in a cool hallway to go onstage, he would warm one foot against a leg and then the other--looking very ostrich like. It was a very sad surprise to see his obituary only a day or so after delighting in that memory. Since then I've had an opportunity to visit with your cousin, Bonnie Salveson, and she said there was a red and white bouquet of flowers from the Class of '59 at the funeral. That was good to hear. Your Dad meant alot to all his classmates as wholehearted and lively friend. Mary Ann Miller Morrison wanted me to convey to you her memories of your Dad "as a really nice, friendly guy--a classmate throughout grade and high school." She wanted you to know her thoughts and prayers are with you. I happened to see Fr. Jerry Kautzman at another funeral the day of your Dad's and together we remembered the trip the two of them took along with your Aunt Pat and Uncle Dan to California last spring and the good time they had. As others get ready for the Class of '59's 45th reunion this summer there is a void in knowing both your mother and dad have gone before us. But in being part of us they've left unique footprints on our hearts. May your own heart take courage in knowing you have a place there as well. May your mother and dad be blessed in reunion in the mystery and heart of God.
S. Janet (Iris) Zander
March 14, 2004
Dear Kim,
Only very recently did I hear about your Dad's cancer and the news brought no indication of how advanced it was. With the intial news our eighth grade teacher and I (Sr. Marmion, now Helen) and I were reminiscing about the huge pageant held at St. Joseph's Grade School in Mandan--"The Journey of the Kings"--in which your Dad played the part of an ostrich. She recalled that in his short, "feather" costume he had to wear nylon stockings to cover bare legs and, waiting in a cool hallway to go onstage, he would warm one foot against a leg and then the other--looking very ostrich like. It was a very sad surprise to see his obituary only a day or so after delightomg in that memory. Since then I've had an opportunity to visit with your cousin, Bonnie Salveson, and she said there was a red and white bouquet of flowers from the Class of '59 at the funeral. That was good to hear. Your Dad meant alot to all his classmates as wholehearted and lively friend. Mary Ann Miller Morrison wanted me to convey to you her memories of your Dad "as a really nice, friendly guy--a classmate throughout grade and high school." She wanted you to know her thoughts and prayers are with you. I happened to see Fr. Jerry Kautzman at another funeral the day of your Dad's and together we remembered the trip the two of them took along with your Aunt Pat and Uncle Dan to California last spring and the good time they had. As others get ready for the Class of '59's 45th reunion this summer there is a void in knowing both your mother and dad have gone before us. But in being part of us they've left unique footprints on our hearts. May your own heart take courage in knowing you have a place there as well. May your mother and dad be blessed in reunion in the mystery and heart of God.
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Tony Oster
March 8, 2004
I always thought of Ralph as one of my friends and was looking forward to seeing him in Mandan this summer for our 45th High School Reunion. Everybody loved Ralph, as he was one of the truly good guys.
Larry Sanders
March 8, 2004
Ralph Klug family...my card was sent a few days too soon, hope it will not bother you...Ralph was a friend in High School, someone who you could always count on as a friend, who now will be missed.
Jackie Darling-Gilbertson
March 8, 2004
Ralph along with Gerri will leave a big void in our class of l959. The news of Ralph's illness and death had truly shakened and saddened me. He was a saint among husbands, a wonderful father and brother, and to us his friends he was sooo special. Our class will not be the same without Gerri and now Ralph.
Ric Anderst
March 8, 2004
Kim, I'm so sorry to hear about your dad. I don't know if you remember me, But your dad was my 1st cousin. Ralph was, and the whole Klug family very close to my family. We did so much together when we were all kids. My mother and aunt Leah were sisters. Uncle spin was my godfather.
Your dad was a very nice and loving man, along with your mother. Although I have'nt seen your mother or dad for years, the thought of them in my mind is still there.I know there with GOD. I know that your dad, and mother, aunt Leah, uncle Spin, and my parents (Tom and Eileen), and grandma and grampa Haas, are all together.
Kim, be strong, have faith, and God bless you and your family.
Your cousin.... Ric Anderst
Bernadette (Bernie) Heidt-Brewster
March 8, 2004
To Ralph's Family,
I am so very sorry to hear of Ralph's illness and passing. If only I had known earlier to let him know I was thinking of him. A card and note was mailed to him Saturday. Perhaps he will be reading it over the shoulder of whoever opens it!
Ralph and I went to school together in Mandan, ND.
My prayers are with you all,
Bernie Heidt Brewster
Greg Childs
March 8, 2004
Dear Kim:
Your Daddy and I were friends since we moved to Mandan in 1950. Your Mom and I were classmates from the same year and attended the same Sunday School and Church. Later we lived as newlyweds in Fargo. Still later you will recall our visits to GFK and your visiting us in Cal. Remember our trip to Mazatlan? The Bullfight? What fun we had with your Mom and Dad! He was one of the really good guys in my life.
God Bless you and your family Kim;
Greg and Debbie Childs
Bill Bragg
March 8, 2004
He was the best of us.
Mandan Class of '59
Sis Matzke (anderst)
March 8, 2004
Kim & family, Also all My Klug cousins. My heart goes out to all of you, Kim you lost a wonderful father, but he is in God
s hands now. I feel that I had the privillage of having such wonderful Klug cousins that I got to grow up with, Ralph will be missed by all of us, I just wanted to let you know you will be in our prays and we love you. Sis Matzke(Anderst)
Michael Klug II
March 7, 2004
Kim, Mark, Bri, Brock
I'm very sad to hear about the unfortunate event in Ralph's life. He was such a great person and I think that rubbed off on all of us and we can be thankful for all the great things he did for us. He and all of you and the rest of the family will be in my thoughts and prayers. Now we must look to God to take care him. With love, Michael Klug II
Rita Klug
March 7, 2004
Kim/Mark/Bri/Broc
We are so truly sorry about your loss & feel that Ralph & Gerri are both looking down on all our games just like Ralphie did in his lifetime. We will truly miss him. He has always been there for us as you well know & he was such a kind person/brother/friend. Love, Aunt Rita & Uncle Mike
Joseph (MadRussian) Yodsnukis
March 7, 2004
I was sadden at the passing of Ralph. I was stationed at GRFK AB 1973-1975 and got to be friends with him while I worked in the Equipment Management Office in supply. We worked closely together because I had the pleasure of assigning personel to trainings given by him. It was my privilege to know him and for that i'm thankful. I pray that he rest in peace.
Gwen Kautzman
March 7, 2004
My dearest Uncle Ralph, It's so hard to cry when thinking of you makes us smile. Our world will not be as fun without you.
Kim, I'm grateful your father was my uncle and you're my cousin. The last four years of "getting to know you all over again" have been special.
Gwen, Bailey, and Jefferson
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