Ralph Bechtle

Ralph was born in Watertown Minnesota on October 8, 1946, where he was welcomed by his parents, Frank and Elsie and older brother Gordon. 

Ralphs family moved to the Rockford area where he attended school and graduated from Rockford High School. As a youth Ralph was an avid outdoorsman, horseman and spent many hours helping with the family business, the Blue Diamond Minkery.

In October of 1966, Ralph married the love of his life, Linda. After serving in the United States Army, Ralph and Linda moved to Milaca and raised their two children together. Following in the entrepreneurial footsteps of his family, Ralph owned and operated the family dairy farm.

Outside of farming Ralph enjoyed taking the “yearly trip” to Sturgis on his Harley Davidson with his leather clad wife on the back. He was also a musician and enjoyed filling the house with polka music from his accordion in between the farm chore times.

Predeceased by parents Frank and Elsie, brother Gordon, stepfather Ed Wilken and grandson Michael. Ralph’s legacy continues on with his wife of 56 years Linda, his two children, John (Lisa) Bechtle, Amy Corona, his grandchildren, Alison, Heather, Wyatt, Megan, Levi and 10 great-grandchildren, Oliver, Zane, Naomi, Marlowe, Odin, Piper, Harrison, Blaire, Rylee, Benjamin.     

Celebration of life will be held on Wednesday, August 2, 2023 at 11 AM at Lighthouse Fellowship Church, 14238 9^th Avenue SE Milaca, MN, 56353.  Visitation will take place one hour prior to the service at the church.