"It was always enjoyable to visit with Ralph. I will always remember sharing our golf cart spaces and watching him swing his cane! "
In loving memory of
Ralph Wm. Lindhorst
April 13, 1916 - May 6, 2018
A funeral service will be held at 11 AM on Thursday, May 10, 2018 at First Presbyterian Church, Algona. Visitation will be held from 4 to 6 PM on Wednesday, May 9, 2018 at Oakcrest Funeral Services, Algona. Burial will be held in East Lawn Cemetery, Algona.
Ralph Wm. Lindhorst was born April 13, 1916 to Homer and Nannie (Denman) Lindhorst on a farm south of Algona in Cresco Township. He attended country school for eight years and then graduated from Algona High School in 1934.
Following high school he graduated from Capital City Commercial College in Des Moines and worked for the State Comptroller at the State Capital. Ralph returned to Algona and worked as a Deputy Sheriff. On his 26th birthday, he enlisted in the Army where he graduated from Officers Candidate School and was promoted to 2nd Lieutenant.
Ralph married Lavon Sankey on May 11, 1943 at the First Presbyterian Church in Algona with Dr. C.C. Richardson presiding. Following the marriage, the couple went to Washington and Oregon where Ralph trained troops of military police. He then shipped overseas and landed at Utah Beach D+3 at Normandy where he earned five battle stars and a bronze star for his participation in the Battle of the Bulge, and was commissioned a 1st Lieutenant.
Ralph returned to Algona following the war and keeping with his quest for opportunities to serve and protect, served as a deputy sheriff and was then elected Sheriff during which time he served from 1949 until 1968. After his retirement from Sheriff, he was appointed Chief Juvenile Probation Officer for six counties in Iowa. Governor Ray appointed him to the State Crime Commission and he was Chairman of the Juvenile Justice Committee. Ralph retired in 1981 to enjoy traveling to warmer climates in the winter, fishing, golfing, gardening, photography and woodworking.
He was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church in Algona, the Golden K Kiwanis Club and the Hagg Turner Post #90 VFW. In July, 2017, at the age of 101, he was honored with the Heritage Award for his selfless service to his country, his county, and his community.
Ralph died Sunday, May 6, 2018 at the Algona Manor Care Center at the age of 102.
He is survived by his wife of 74 years, Lavon; their foster daughter, Mary Ann Swanson and husband Leroy and their three children; many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Preceding him in death are his parents and his brother, Charles.
Tributes
"I have many fond memories of my Uncle Ralph The most fun times were when he would take pictures of my children and us as a couple. The pictures were so professional . He seemed to enjoy every minute taking the pictures! He loved being with people and family even more! I will miss you very much Love & Hugs Your Niece Sharon"