Service Information
Ralph A. Blum, age 77, of Hutchinson, Minnesota, passed away on Sunday, March 5, 2023, at Ecumen Oaks in Hutchinson.
Memorial Service will be held on Friday, March 17, 2023, at 11:00 A.M. at Dobratz-Hantge Funeral Chapel in Hutchinson, with interment in Oakland Cemetery in Hutchinson.
Gathering of Family and Friends will be held one hour prior to the service at the funeral chapel.
Military Honors by Hutchinson Memorial Rifle Squad.
Obituary
Ralph Adolph Blum was born on April 6, 1945, in Hutchinson, Minnesota. He was the son of Adolph and Lena (Koevnick) Blum. Ralph was baptized as an infant on April 29, 1945, and was later confirmed in his faith as a youth on May 3, 1959, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Stewart, Minnesota. He received his education in Stewart and was a graduate of the Stewart High School Class of 1963.
Ralph entered active military service in the United States Air Force on June 11, 1963, in Minneapolis, Minnesota and served his country during the Vietnam Conflict. He received an Honorable Discharge on November 8, 1966, at Travis Air Force Base in Fairfield, California, and achieved the rank of Airman First Class.
On December 8, 1973, Ralph was united in marriage to Phyllis Gores at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Stewart. This marriage was blessed with one daughter, Misty Lynn. Ralph and Phyllis resided in Hutchinson. They shared 49 years of marriage.
Ralph was employed as a PIV Operator for 3M. He retired on October 31, 2001, after 34½ years. Ralph was a member of Faith Lutheran Church in Hutchinson. He was also a member of the Hutchinson American Legion Post 96 and Hutchinson VFW Post 906.
Ralph enjoyed camping at Cross Lake, riding motorcycle, deer hunting, reading, flying airplanes, cars, and fireworks. He especially enjoyed spending time with his family, grandchildren and friends.
Ralph passed away on Sunday, March 5, 2023, at Ecumen Oaks in Hutchinson, at the age of 77 years.
Blessed be his memory.
Ralph is survived by his:
Wife, Phyllis Blum of Hutchinson, MN;
Son-in-law, Ben Gustafson of Anthem, AZ;
Grandchildren, Noah and Lillian “Lily” Gustafson of Anthem, AZ;
Many other relatives and friends.
Ralph is preceded in death by his Parents; Adolf and Lena Blum; Daughter, Misty Gustafson; Brother, Don Blum; Sisters, Dorothy Wagner and Julie Blum.
Kim says
Dearest Ralph,
I’m so excited for your new adventure but know you leave some sad hearts behind. Phyliss and yourself were always so kind and inviting to myself (and my husband) and you by far had the greatest smile! Please give a kiss to your beloved Misty from us and hope you two are having a blast reuniting!! If you guys get a bit bored, I think we can all agree some winning lottery ticket numbers/scratchers are always appreciated:)
Much much love and endless hugs to the Blum Family!
With gratitude,
Kim (Gustafson) and Jeremy Asmussen
Jessica Forcier says
I’m sure Ralph is happy to be reunited with Misty. He was such an amazing guy and will be missed.
DeAnn Nelson says
Ralph,
I am so thankful for you and for all the treasured memories that I have of you ever since I was a little girl. You were my amazing godfather who never forgot my birthday and always made me feel very special. You brought me a puppy when I was six, which is what I wished for more than anything at that age… I can still see you pulling that little fluff ball out of your leather jacket and handing it to me. You always called and sent flowers and came to visit for so many years. You had such a big beautiful heart, always had such a sweet demeanor and a sparkle in your eyes. You always showed me how much you cared and I will miss you forever. Love to you always, Your DeDe
JoNell Olson says
Ralph was a great person to know if you ever had the chance to meet him! He was my daughter’s Godfather and he and his wife Phyllis would try to get together at least once a year with our family! We will miss him but I know we will see him again when each of us are called to our heavenly home and into the arms of our Heavenly Father. Until we meet again Ralph, our love is with you! Sorry I can’t make it to your funeral because AZ is where I live and makes it geographically unfavorable to get there at this time. Give Misty a hug from us !
Marj & Nic Frieler & Family says
Phyllis , so sorry to hear of Ralphs passing. He was a joy to work with at 3M. I have many fond memories . Thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Kristen Schuft says
Truly the best neighbor and friend a young couple just starting out in life could have ever asked for. I am certain you and Curtis have some reminiscing to do about our days spent on Maple Street.
Til we meet again… “Hi Neighbor”