Ralph B. Boone

Ralph Boone Jr. age 90, of Grafton, ND died Friday, October 16, 2009 at his farm home north of Grafton. Ralph Boone Jr. was born July 18, 1919 in Grafton, ND the son of the late Ralph Sr. and Clara (Nelson) Boone. He was raised on the family farm north of Grafton and graduated from Grafton High School in 1937. He partnered with his brothers in the Boone Farm operation, including the Auburn Elevator and Grafton potato wash plant, until his retirement in 1993. He was a lifelong member of the Grafton Federated Church. He established the Boone Charitable Foundation which supports non-profit and volunteer organizations, wildlife conservation, people with special needs, and provides college scholarships to students. Ralph loved nature and wildlife, and enjoyed sailing and bird-watching. He also enjoyed his car collection and spending time with family and friends. He is survived by his sister-in-law, Judy Boone, Grafton ,ND; seven nieces and nephews: Steve (Barb) Boone, Devils Lake, ND; Elizabeth (Rick) Suda, Devils Lake, ND; Beverly (Scott) Boura, Grafton, ND; Brenda (Rick) Dusek, Eagan, MN; Judy Lee, West Fargo, ND; Mary Jo (Lloyd) Odegard, West Fargo, ND; and Marjorie (Jim) Shockley, Aurora, CO. He was preceded in death by his parents, and brothers Raymond, Montelle and Robert. A private family service was held on Sunday, October 18, 2009 at the Tollefson Funeral Home of Grafton, ND. Interment was at the Grafton Crescent Cemetery.