Ralph E. Tucker

Ralph Tucker, 91, passed away on Friday, September 5, 2025 at the Lutheran Sunset Home in Grafton, ND surrounded by family.

Ralph Eugene Tucker was born in Grand Forks, ND on August 13, 1934 to Benjamin and Cora (Hutchinson) Tucker. He grew up in Euclid, MN and graduated from the Northwest School of Agriculture in Crookston, MN in 1952. It was there that he met Carol Green. After high school, Ralph enlisted in the US Army and was stationed in Korea. Upon returning home, with encouragement from his sister-in-law, he reconnected with Carol. They were united in marriage on January 7, 1956 and made their home in St. Thomas, ND. It was there they raised their nine children.

Ralph was very proud of his family, and loved to watch it grow. He welcomed in-laws and babies with enthusiasm. He was strong in his faith and a humble servant of God. He was a long-time member of the St. Thomas Catholic Church, and more recently of St. John's Catholic Church in Grafton, ND. He was generous with churches he attended, and Catholic charities.

Besides being a husband and father, Ralph was a successful businessman and shared his love of farming with his children and grandchildren. Although he retired from farming in 1998, he continued to be a regular presence at the farm until just last year. He was a valued member of many organizations, including the St. Thomas School Board, the Red River Valley Potato Growers Association, and the St. Thomas American Legion.

Ralph adored his wife, spent hours working on his family tree, loved music, and enjoyed happy hour. He will be missed by all who knew him.

He is survived by his children: Lynne Tucker, Jamestown, ND; Beth Nelson, Jill (Brian) Petersen and Lark (Connor) Oihus, all of Grafton, ND; Susan (Bruce) Willis, Washington Court House, OH; Bennet (Kris) Tucker, Allen (Lisa) Tucker, St. Thomas, ND; Janna (Richard) Rygg, Mayville, ND; and Gwen Horter, Perham, MN; 16 grandchildren; twelve great grandchildren with one more on the way. He is also survived by several nieces, nephews and special family friend, Vicki (Albert) Trenda, Grafton, ND. He was preceded in death by his wife, parents and siblings: Luella Campen, Marian Yates, Harold Tucker, and Leo Tucker.

Mass of Christian burial will be Wednesday, September 17th at 10:30 AM at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church of Grafton, ND. Visitation will be Tuesday from 5-7 PM with a rosary service at 7:00 PM at the Tollefson Funeral Home of Grafton. Friends may also call at the church on Wednesday for one hour prior to the service. Interment will be at the St. Thomas Catholic Cemetery, St. Thomas, ND. Military Rites will be provided by ND National Guard Honor Guard and St. Thomas Ottum-Ball American Legion Post.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests you make a donation to the charity of your choice.