Ralph Albert Wolter, age 79, of Wichita, KS, formerly of Lester Prairie and Sisseton, SD, died Thursday, March 10, 2011, at the Galichia Hospital in Wichita.
He was born Oct. 31, 1931, in Hancock Township, Carver County, the son of Albert and Anna (Weber) Wolter. Ralph was baptized as an infant at his parents’ home by the Rev. AmEnd, and was confirmed in his faith as a youth in 1945, by the Rev. Vomhof at St. Peter Lutheran Church in Lester Prairie.
Ralph received his elementary education in District 84, Bergen Township; and at St. Peter Lutheran Church parochial school. He was a graduate of Lester Prairie High School.
Ralph enlisted in the National Guard in Hutchinson. He was activated into military service for the US Army Nov. 16, 1953, at Fort Riley in Kansas. He served his country during the Korean War, as a cook for the troops stationed in Kodiak, AK. While there, he spent free time exploring, hunting, and fishing. Ralph was honorably discharged Nov. 17, 1956, at Fort Lewis in Washington state. He went on to join the Reserves in Minneapolis. Ralph achieved the rank of corporal during his six years of service.
Ralph was united in marriage to Patricia Coursolle June 30, 1962, in Robbinsdale. They resided in the Minneapolis area, having two children, Martin and Linda.
Ralph worked in building construction in Minneapolis and also serviced cars for AAA in the winter weather. Some years later, he would own a business servicing cars, and then go on to work in restaurants.
Ralph enjoyed fishing, cooking, working on cars, and taking driving trips. He would come to Glencoe for part-time work, coffee chats, and socializing. He loved telling jokes and reading the newspaper. Splitting wood was his exercise routine for years. He was a caring and helpful person, happy to lend a hand.
Ralph spent the past 12 years in the Dakotas working in the food business and helping mechanics. He would spend winters in Wichita, KS.
Following complications from a stroke, Ralph became a resident at the Meridian Nursing and Rehab Home in Wichita in April of 2010.
Ralph is survived by his daughter, Linda Wolter, and fiancé, Jeff Lonn, of Minneapolis; sister Darlene Gillett of Glencoe; brother Dennis Wolter and his wife, LaMoyne, of Excelsior; aunts Emma Weber Granger of Blaine, Ella Weber Molnau of Cologne, Lenore Weber Hilk of St. Louis Park, and Cindy Wolter McQuay of Tucson, AZ; uncle Henry Sanchez of LaPlace, LA; and many nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.
He wa preceded in death by his parents, Albert and Anna Wolter; son, Martin Wolter; and many aunts and uncles.
Memorial services took place Saturday, April 30 at 11 a.m. at St. Peter Lutheran Church in Lester Prairie, with interment in the church cemetery at a later date. The Rev. David R. Erbel officiated. Organist was Yvonne Schutte. Congregational hymns included “To God Be The Glory,” “Children Of The Heavenly Father,” and “My Faith Looks Up To Thee.” Military honors were provided by American Legion Post 95 in Glencoe.
Arrangements were by the Paul-McBride Funeral Chapel in Lester Prairie. Online obituaries and guest book are available at www.hantge.com; click on Obituaries/Guest Book.
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