Ralph Hunstad

Ralph Romaine Hunstad, 96, of Montevideo, left his earthly home for his heavenly home on Monday, January 5th at Copper Glen in Montevideo. Memorial service will be held at United Methodist Church in Montevideo on Wednesday, January 28th at 11:00 am. Visitation will be held one hour prior to services at the church on Wednesday.

Ralph was born June 1, 1929, in Foldahl Township, in Marshall County, Minnesota to Anton and Ethel (Haugen) Hunstad. He was the 4th sibling of 8 children. He was baptized and confirmed at the Alma Lutheran Church. He left this life the only surviving member of his immediate family, Ralph graduated from Argyle, Minnesota High School. Following graduation he worked in Iowa. He enlisted in the United States Navy in October of 1948. He was stationed at Portsmouth, Virginia and his sea duty was aboard the USS Zellars DD 777. He served during the Korean War and was honorably discharged in October of 1952. Proudly taking on the role as a Veteran.

Ralph was united in marriage to Ada Jensen on November 11, 1953 in Faribault, Minnesota. He began his career with Northwestern Bell Telephone there. In 1954, they moved to Montevideo and made it their home for over 65 years together. Raising their four children Randi Jean, Brian, Kent and Todd.

He continued working for Northwestern Bell until his retirement after 32 years of service, December of 1984. He never really retired and always knew the newest telephone and electronics information to help a person in need of advice. He continued to work on phones till 2020. He wasn’t too sure about cell phones, but soon he had one of his own. As a family we were lucky to have him working for the telephone company as we had a phone in many locations in our house, garage and cabin at the lake. Never on a party line either. Ralph was very active in the Communications Workers of America serving as secretary/treasurer for 22 years,

Ralph was very active as a volunteer at the Montevideo Methodist Church, especially every year for the Turkey dinner and at the Otter Tail Methodist Church.  He served on board at Brookside Manor. He was involved with the Boy Scouts of America, 4-H, working at the Chippewa Village and many hours volunteering with the Telephone Pioneers, which he and Ada did together. They were chosen to be the Sr. Fiesta Royalty in 2000. He was always willing and able to help whenever asked. Not only by his community, but also to help his children with projects they needed his help.

In 1963 a vacation to Otter Tail Lake would bring a whole new chapter to the Hunstad's summers. They vacationed with what was called the "Lake Family" every year, the last two weeks of July.  When the resort was being sold off, in the fall of 1972 Ralph and Ada bought what is now the Hunstad Cabin. Many Hunstad reunions were spent, with up to 100 people camping on their piece of heaven. It became and still is the favorite spot to be in the summer. For over 20 years they then would spend their winters in Apache Junction, AZ making for their "winter family".

He loved his family dearly and taught them so many things, that have now been passed down from generation to generation. The most important thing was a strong work ethic. There wasn’t an event he would miss if he was able to be there for any of his children, grandchildren or great grandchildren. He was their #1 fan and made sure they knew it.

Ralph is survived by his Daughter, Randi Jean (Warren) Van Gorp of Montevideo, Sons, Brian (Cathy) of Willmar, Kent (Gwen) of Bellingham, and Todd (Mary) of Willmar; Grandchildren, Melissa Pausch, Nathan Van Gorp, Michael Hunstad, Phillip Van Gorp, Eric Van Gorp, Kristen Skodje, Brittany Hayes, Cassandra Meis, Nicole Hunstad, Janine Koopman, Bailie Flaig and Anthony Hunstad.  Great grandchildren, Tyler, Alayna, Grace, Griffin, Jaida, Alex, Evan, David, Landen, Drew, Carson, Tenley, Finn, Lilyana, Braxton, Soren, Bennett, Vivian, DeAndre, Ada, Raylee and brother-in-law Richard Krenz, sister-in-law Avis Hunstad, long with many nieces and nephews.

He is proceeded in death by his wife in 2021, his parents, two grandchildren David Van Gorp and Kayla Hunstad.  One great grandchild Owen Skodje 5 brothers and 2 sisters.

May his memory be forever in our hearts.