Donald M. Ralston

Donald M. Ralston, age 93, resident of Petersburg, ND, died Tuesday, December 22, 2015 at the First Care Health Center in Park River, ND.

Donald was born October 6, 1922 to Clyde and Ruth (Bergene) Ralston on the family farm. After high school he attended college in Wahpeton where he was a golden gloves boxer. Donald married the love of his life, Joyce Appeman, on June 27, 1948 in Bartlett, ND. Together they raised five children. During his younger years, he enjoyed playing baseball, bowling, curling, golfing, dancing, pinochle, and riding his golf cart around the yard. He was a member of many boards including the school board, township board, church board, and the Nelson County Fair board, and was also a member of the Petersburg Lutheran Church Choir and the Sons of Norway. Donald spent time as an adjuster for the Grinnell Insurance Company, and enjoyed watching the Minnesota Twins and Vikings. Donald loved the farming life and his family meant everything to him. We will always remember his warm eyes, kind smile, and loving, big heart. We will love and miss you always husband, dad, and grandpa.

Donald’s family includes his wife, Joyce of Petersburg, ND; children, Terry & his wife Donna Ralston, both of which are deceased, Cindy & her husband Gary Pladson of Grand Forks, ND, Steve Ralston & his former wife Jan of Petersburg, ND, Kent & his wife Mary of Dahlen, ND, and Lisa & her husband Dan McCarty of Huron, SD; 10 grandchildren, Jeannie (Tracy) Schar, Scott (Kathryn) Ralston, Josh Ralston, Tressta (Taylor) Kunkel, Katie Ralston, Eric Ralston, Kyle Ralston, Kody Ralston, Pat McCarty, and Kelly McCarty; five great grandchildren; sister and brother-in-law, Janice and Jerry Hess of Duluth, MN; and many nieces & nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; son; daughter-in-law; 6 brothers; and 1 sister.

The Funeral Service for Don will be held at the Petersburg Lutheran Church, Petersburg, ND, on Monday, December 28, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. Interment will be in the Petersburg Cemetery. Visitation will be held at the church on Sunday, December 27, 2015 beginning at 5:00 p.m. with a prayer service at 7:00 p.m. Visitation will continue on Monday for one hour prior to the service.