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Published March 11, 2013, 04:47 PM

Ralph Ducklow, 76

Ralph Ducklow passed away peacefully, surrounded by loving family, on March 9 at United Hospital in St. Paul.

Ralph Ducklow passed away peacefully, surrounded by loving family, on March 9 at United Hospital in St. Paul.

He was the first of eight children born to Merton and Esther (Beckwith) Ducklow on April 10, 1936, in Spring Valley, Wis. He spent his childhood growing up in Spring Valley, graduating from Spring Valley High School in 1955. He loved all sports, but basketball was his favorite. He served in the U.S. Navy on the USS Lake Champlain. In 1957, he married Joan M. Ingli. They made their home in River Falls, raising their three daughters. He spent his career working for the U.S. Postal Service delivering mail on the west side of River Falls, retiring in 1991 after 31 years. Joan passed away in 1996. In 2004, he married Virginia Lofgren.

He enjoyed so many things including a good cup of coffee, fishing, old cars, old trains, his garden, bird watching, tinkering, woodworking, the Green Bay Packers, Minnesota Twins, and spending time with his family and friends. His biggest passion and pride was the many years spent following his grandsons excel in wrestling. He was definitely the social butterfly of the family. There was no such thing as a stranger to him.

Ralph was the "Jack of all Trades." There wasn't anything that he couldn't do. He was always right there to help anyone who needed help. He was a wonderful man, very fun-loving with a heart of gold, a great father and a terrific grandfather and great-grandfather, and will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

He was preceded in death by his wife Joan; father Merton; stepfather, Adolph Norderhaug; brother Arlan; great-granddaughter Leilana; and best friend, Jim Rutherford.

Surviving are his mother, Esther Norderhaug; wife Virginia and her daughter, Megan Lofgren (Paul Hanten); his daughters, Debra, Darla (Tom) Goulette, Deann Crain (Ed Cernohous); grandchildren, Stacia (Layne) Hetrick, Nathan Goulette, Shana Crain (Marshall Castano), Ross Crain, Kyle Crain, Shelby Ducklow; great-grandchildren Alexis, Peyton, Rosalyn; brothers Wayne (Mary Jo), Tom (Connie), Roger (Peggy); sisters, Janet (Michael) Crowell, Wanda (Victor) Strobush, Angela Ducklow (Michael Kopesky); many nieces and nephews; a countless number of friends; and his puppies, Brandy and Daisy.

His memory will live on in our lives forever.

Please join us in a celebration of his life at 12 p.m. Saturday, March 16, with visitation from 10 a.m.-12 p.m., at the First Congregational Church in River Falls. The remains of Ralph and Joan will be buried together at 9 a.m. Saturday in Greenwood Cemetery per their wishes.

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Steve J.
River Falls, WI     03/13/2013 8:50 AM

SEJ RF My deepest sympathy to Ralph's family and friends. Growing up on the WestSide, Ralph was a daily visitor to our house delivering the mail. I considered him a good friend all through life. We always talked about how fishin was on the Kinni or things that were going on around town. He fixed a few dents in my clunkers along the way and could do just about anything. My favorite personal memory of Ralph probably wouldn't be on his favorite's list. I was at my folk's house with my dog, KoKo, a Golden Retriever that was all bark and no bite. When Ralph came down the driveway KoKo took off towards him howling like crazy and Ralph made it to the lowest branch on the nearest Elm he could get to. Ralph had been treed and he wasn't a happy camper. After introductions I do believe they became friends and thankfully Ralph had a great sense of humor, so we all had a laugh over it. That's the kinda guy Ralph was and how he will be remembered. I will miss his BS and the smile he had for everyone. Steve J

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kathleen b.
River Falls, WI     03/13/2013 7:28 AM

WE are very sorry to learn of Ralph's passing. He had such a nice way with people. He will be missed. Roland and Kathy Baker

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Hjordi V.
River Falls, WI     03/12/2013 1:16 PM

So sad to hear this. When my family and I moved to town we would see Ralph every morning at Lighthouse Coffee. He always had a magic trick for my kids. He will be missed...

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