n 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.