Ralph W. Anderson, age 96.5, of Minnetonka, Minnesota passed away on March 24, 2018. Preceded by parents, Ralph D. and Elva (Tremain) and siblings, Leota (Ernest Scroggins), Alma (Paul Gant), Willard (Janice Hern surviving), and Eileen. Survived by wife of 67 years Nancy (Austin); sons, David (Lisa) and Roger (Eileen); grandchildren, Samantha (Josh) Weidner, Robert, Valerie, Emily, and Dylan; and 50+ nieces and nephews.

Ralph was born at home September 18, 1921 in Alert, Indiana. He grew up on the family farm. Because he was the 4th of 5 children, he was often known as ‘Little Ralphie’. He graduated from Jackson High School in 1939 in a class of 12. His sister-in-law, Janice Hern, was in his class. Before World War II, he worked for E. I. Dupont in Oklahoma. He joined the Army in 1943 and was discharged in 1945 as an acting First Sergeant in the 2nd infantry. He last served in Pilsen, Czechoslovakia. He joined the Masonic Lodge in 1946. He attended Hanover College and was introduced to Nancy Austin thanks to Lowell and Ann Innis. Ralph and Nancy were married December 27, 1950 after a 2 ½ month engagement. Everyone was home for the holidays. He graduated in 1951. His fraternity brothers at Phi Delta Theta have been life-long friends.

He then started work at American City Bureau doing campaign fundraising. This gave them the opportunity to travel the country; living and working 6-12 months at each campaign. When David and Roger came along in 1956 and 1958, they moved to Indianapolis. In 1965, Ralph moved the family to Minneapolis to work for Macalester College Development Department and they joined Westminster Presbyterian Church. Later he worked for the Minnesota Orchestra as Development Director. He liked being a part of their move to Orchestra Hall and even got Roger a job there. Eventually, Ralph returned to campaign fundraising. He especially loved campaigns in Montana, Louisiana, Vancouver B.C., Michigan, California, and even St. Paul, Minnesota. To this day he has kept in touch with friends he met during those campaigns.

Raising two boys in Boy Scouts, Ralph volunteered to help with newspaper drives, campouts, canoe trips, and even winter camping. There were also family camping trips and a trip per year to Indiana. The family enjoyed living on West 49th Street, especially walking, biking, and canoeing Lake Harriet. They loved hosting ‘Banana Split Sundays’ with friends from the neighborhood.

In retirement, Ralph and Nancy lived in Bloomington, near Hyland Park. They continued to travel and visit family and friends; old and new. He volunteered with the Minnesota Society for the Blind and several other charities. Their last move was to The Glenn Senior Center in Minnetonka, where Nancy still resides in Memory Care. They have been married 67 years. Ralph’s last move was to the Minnesota Masonic Home. It was a comfort to be re-introduced to his Masonic values. He was rejuvenated by the brotherhood of the Masonic Lodge and Sisters of The Eastern Star. He was impressed with the activities of the home; which brought back memories of his time at the Hope, Indiana Lodge.

Celebration of Ralph’s Life will be on Tuesday, April 10, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. with visitation starting at 10:00 a.m. at Faith Church, 12007 Excelsior Blvd, Minnetonka, Minnesota 55343. Memorials to Faith Church, Minnesota Masonic Home in Bloomington, or Westminster Presbyterian Church.

Indiana celebration and interment will be at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 14, 2018 with Rev. Steve Pumphrey officiating. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until service time at 11:00 a.m. at the Bear Creek Baptist Church. Memorials may be made through the Bass & Gasper Funeral Home to the Bear Creek Baptist Church or Hope Masonic Lodge.