Ralph A. Thielges was born on March 23, 1939, in St. Leo, to Adam and Bertha (Dittberner) Thielges, the youngest of 15 children. He grew up on the family farm in St. Leo and attended Catholic School in St. Leo. Ralph was united in marriage to Ann Thompson. To this union were born three children: Randy, Julie and Dan. Ralph farmed for a time when he was young and built bridges. He later lived and worked in a variety of communities including Willmar, Pipestone and Canby. For the last ten years he has been living in Marshall where he received services from HSI. Ralph enjoyed working on the farm, gardening and nature. He also enjoyed frequenting Mikes Café and Dairy Queen. He especially liked connecting with friends and family, whether sending cards or serenading his kids on the telephone. Ralph enjoyed having scripture read to him.
Ralph died on Friday, November 4, 2016, at Sanford Medical Center in Sioux Falls, SD. He is survived by his children Randy (and Jane) Thielges of Royalton, Julie (and Chris) Hughes of Minneapolis, Dan (and Crystal) Pfarr of Walnut Grove, 12 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, siblings Luverne Thielges of Canby, Marie Stoks of Marshall, Sister Janet Thielges OSB, of St. Cloud, Al (and Ann) Thielges of Marshall, Lucille (and Dave) Welu of Cherry Creek, IL, Jeanette Hennen of Fargo, sister-in-law Kathleen Thielges of Canby, brother-in-law Rex Thielges of Sioux Falls, SD, nieces, nephews, relatives and good friends Mike, Paul and Juel. He was preceded in death by his parents, siblings Della (and Ray) Forsbald, Rita (and Oscar) Van De Wiele, Art (and Carol) Thielges, Donald (and Marge) Thielges, Matt Thielges, Phyllis Livermore, Irene and Alice Thielges, brothers-in-law Henry Stoks and Jerry Hennen, sisters-in-law Mary Ann Thielges and Doris Thielges.
