Celebrating the Life of Ralph D. Clare

Sept. 29, 1928 – Nov. 18, 2016

Date of Funeral: Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2016 - 10:30 am

Roseville Lutheran Church

Clare, Ralph D. age 88, of Roseville, MN, passed away on November 18, 2016. He was born on September 29, 1928 in Knox County, Nebraska to Orville and Hazel (nee Hildreth) Clare. After graduating from Verdigre High School in 1944, he attended the University of Nebraska at Lincoln. During the Korean War, Ralph served in the U.S. Army in Germany. Upon returning, he met his future wife, Shirley Christensen in Milaca, MN. They were married on October 16, 1953 and later moved to Topeka, Kansas, where their four children were born. He completed his degree at Kansas University, then in 1968, they returned to MN. Ralph's career as a licensed professional civil engineer spanned 6 decades. During that time, he worked with the firms of Van Doren-Hazard in both Kansas and MN, BRW, TKDA, and Rani Engineering. He lived life with a sense of adventure and a positive can do attitude. He was a Boy Scout leader, avid downhill skier, marathon runner, at age 70 bungee jumped in New Zealand, and sky dived at age 86. He was a 31 year sarcoma cancer survivor. Preceded in death by his parents, Orville (1988) and Hazel (1997); younger brother, Maurice (1946); youngest son, Wayne (2011); and daughter-in-law Lisa (2015). He is survived by Shirley, his loving wife of 63 years; son, Walter; daughter, Wanda Peterson (Don); youngest daughter, Waunita; and daughter-in-law, Beth. He also leaves behind 10 grandchildren; 4 great grandchildren; and many other relatives and friends. Arrangements are being handled by Cullen Crea Funeral Home. A visitation will be held on Monday, November 28 from 4-7 p.m. at Roseville Lutheran Church, 1215 West Roselawn Ave. Roseville, MN. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 29 at 10:30 a.m. at the church with a visitation one hour prior to the service, burial to follow at Roselawn Cemetery. Lunch will be served following the funeral. In lieu of flowers, donations are suggested to Roseville Lutheran Church, Banyan Community, Rein in Sarcoma Foundation, or donor's choice. cullencreafuneralhome.com

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