In loving memory of

Howard R. Ralston
April 6, 1931 - June 22, 2010

Funeral services for Howard R. Ralston, 79 of Rochester, MN will be at 4:00pm on Saturday, June 26, 2010 at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes with the Rev. Andy Kumpel, Rev. Tom Johnson and Rev. John Landmark officiating. Visitation will be 1 hour prior to the service Saturday at the funeral home. Burial will be at Oakwood Cemetery on Monday, June 28, 2010.Howard R. Ralston was born on April 6, 1931 in Petersburg, ND to Arthur Clyde and Ruth (Bergene) Ralston. He died at home June 22, 2010 after a courageous battle with cancer.Howard graduated from Petersburg, ND High School, Mayville State and the University of North Dakota, with a Master degree in Education/Art. He married Aleta Michael on July 16, 1955 in Spokane, WA. Howard served in the United States Air Force from November 1952 and was discharged in 1956 in Spokane, WA. The couple moved to Rochester from Grand Forks in 1964 and Howard was an art teacher in the Rochester school system for 37 years, and a lifetime Artist. Howard attended Autumn Ridge Church, New River AG, Gloria Dei Lutheran Church and AA. He enjoyed painting, golfing, playing cards, traveling, baseball, football, and spending time with his grandsons, his large family and numerous friends.Survivors include his daughters, Marie Weeks of Mankato, MN and Michele Goodsell of Mankato, MN; his son, Michael Ralston of Edina, MN; grandsons, Travis, Ross and Grant Goodsell; special friend, his "third daughter", Jill McGuire of Red Wing, MN, sister Faye Sturlaugson of Grandforks, ND brother, Don Ralston of Petersburg, ND, and numerous nephew, nieces, grand nephews and grandnieces.. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Aleta, brothers Leslie, Lynn, Verne, Bob, Jack, and his son-in-law, Larry Weeks.In Howard's own words, " It has been a good and fulfilling life. I thank the Good Lord for the gift of life that he has given to me, rich with all the blessings of the past 79 years with my family and friends." Memorials can be directed to the Gift of Life Transplant House or Samaritan's Purse.Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes 5421 Royal Place NW Rochester, MN 55901 (507) 289-3600www.ranfranzandvinefh.com

Tributes

Jodi wrote on Jun 26, 2010:

"Ross, Grant, & Family, My thoughts & prayers are with you today as you say good bye to a loved one! I am so glad you guys went to visit when you did. Thinking of you!"

Betty Peterson wrote on Jun 26, 2010:

"I was surprised to see the obituary of Howard but I soon realized what Cliff meant when I asked him what he talked about when Howard came to visit. His answer, "We said goodbye." It is sad to think of two people fighting as hard as they could to stay alive when they were fighting two illnesses that couldn't be broken. I would like to be at the funeral today but I have another family gathering to see, but greet your family and any friends I may know. I wish you peace and comfort."

Dean Rlalston wrote on Jun 25, 2010:

"My deepest sympathies go out to you Mike,Michelle and Ree. We will keep you in our prayers during this time. I will always have fond memories for the creative, caring and loving man that Howard was. He was quick witted. So fast you had to stay on your toes to keep up. There was one thing that was always prestent when Howard was in the room, laughter. His smile was a gift that I will always cherrish."

Holly wrote on Jun 25, 2010:

"Mr. Ralston was my art teacher at John Adams Middle School in the mid 1980's. I have always remembered him fondly. As a teenager I was very awkward and shy and always afraid of doing the "wrong" thing. I remember asking him once where I should put my name on a picture I had painted. He just looked at me and said "You know, some decisions in life are hard and that is not one of them". I have used that quote many times in my life since then and thank him for helping me make some easy and not so easy decisions. May he rest peacefully in the Lord's embrace!"

Holly wrote on Jun 25, 2010:

"Mr. Ralston was my art teacher at John Adams Middle School in the mid 1980's. I have always remembered him fondly. As a teenager I was very awkward and shy and always afraid of doing the "wrong" thing. I remember asking him once where I should put my name on a picture I had painted. He just looked at me and said "You know, some decisions in life are hard and that is not one of them". I have used that quote many times in my life since then and thank him for helping me make some easy and not so easy decisions. May he rest peacefully in the Lord's embrace!"

Jan, Eric, Kyle and Kody Ralston wrote on Jun 25, 2010:

"Our deepest sympathies to the family for the loss of Howard. He will be greatly missed in all of our lives. We are sorry that we will be unable to attend, but you will all be in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. What a great legacy he left in his children and all of your families. Take care. Love Jan, Eric, Kyle & Kody."

Lisa McCarty wrote on Jun 24, 2010:

"Marie, Shel, and Mike,Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. When I think of Howard, a smile automatically comes to my face. He was always smiling, joking and making others feel good. I feel so fortunate to be his niece and to have had him for my uncle. We will all miss him so much, but the memories will always keep him close in our hearts. Take care of you! Love Dan, Lisa, Pat and Kelly"

Donna Ralston wrote on Jun 24, 2010:

"We will all miss Howard very much. He has always been so supportive of me and my family during our loss and my illness. He always had a quiet comforting word to offer. He also had some interesting stories to tell. He was an inspiration to me with how he bore his illness with such a positive attitude and faith in God. May he rest peacefully now in Our Saviors arms and may his family find peace and comfort in the many wonderful memories that will hold him in their hearts forever. God Bless, Donna"

Jeannie Schar wrote on Jun 24, 2010:

"You will be greatly missed, Uncle Howard. Thank you for making Rochester feel like home for us.Jeannie, Tracy, Alex, & Thackery"

Sheila Sturlaugson wrote on Jun 24, 2010:

"There was no place Howard loved more than sitting around a big table full of family, telling stories and playing a game of pinochle. He was always interested and concerned about others, I will miss his laugh, I can hear him now, I loved how he sang and prayed from his heart. Yes, I will miss Uncle Howard, but we will all have a homecoming someday."

Pam Pickett wrote on Jun 23, 2010:

"So sorry about the loss of your dad. I always enjoyed his company at the Christmas Eve gift exchange. He will truly be missed.Take care,Pam"