Ralph D. Huxford

Ralph Huxford, age 86, of Waseca, formerly of Waldorf died peacefully with his family by his side at the Koda Living Community of Owatonna on Friday, November 11, 2016.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, November 15, 2016 at 10:00 am at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Waldorf with Fr. Gregory Leif and Fr. Clayton Haberman, concelebrants. Interment will be in St. Joseph’s Community Cemetery in Waldorf. Military Honors by the Waseca American Legion Post 228 and the VFW Sweet – Sommers Post 1642. Visitation will be held from 4 – 6:30 pm on Monday, November 14, 2016, at the McRaith Chapel in Waseca and will continue for one hour prior to the service at the church on Tuesday. Memorials are preferred to the charity of donor’s choice.

Arrangements are being completed with Starkson & Steffel Funeral & Cremation Service ~ McRaith Chapel in Waseca.

Ralph D. Huxford was born on December 27, 1929, to George and Ethel (Davis) Huxford in Byron Township near the village of Matawan. He graduated from Waldorf High School, where he participated in basketball and baseball. Following his education Ralph enlisted into the United States Army and proudly served his country during the Korean War. He was honorably discharged on March 28, 1953. Following his discharge from the U.S. Army, Ralph met Elaine Sonnek at a dance and on May 29, 1954 they were united in marriage at St. Casimir Catholic Church in Wells. This marriage was blessed with eight children. Ralph and Elaine shared 56 years of marriage prior to Elaine’s death on June 22, 2011.

Ralph and Elaine raised their family and resided in Waldorf for many years. Ralph worked at Waldorf State Bank for approximately 43 years, with that career beginning while in high school. Ralph eventually had the opportunity to purchase the bank and did so in 1983 before selling it to Roundbank in 1992. Following his retirement in 1994, they moved to Waseca. Together with Elaine, they enjoyed traveling throughout the United States and abroad.

Ralph was a longtime faithful member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Waldorf. During his years in Waseca he belonged to Sacred Heart Catholic Church. He was also a member of the Waseca VFW, American Legion and Waldorf American Legion and Fire Department. Ralph enjoyed fishing, music, socializing and gardening, where much of his famous horseradish came from. Ralph especially cherished the time he spent with his family. He was a humble man with a compassionate heart. A man of few words and would often say, “You Don’t Learn anything by talking”. His family will always treasure the lessons and support he shared with all of them.

Ralph is survived by 7 of his children: Kim (Lisa) Huxford of rural Waseca, Patti (Jim) Hulwi of Mankato, Todd (Meleah) Huxford of Janesville, Jeffrey (Michelle) Huxford of Owatonna, Beth (Michael) Hintz of Waseca, Cari (Lon) Lindeland of Maple Grove and Mary Jo Krause (special friend Dale Krueger) of Waseca; his 30 grandchildren and his many many great grandchildren; son-in-law, Lac Lindeland (fiancé Deb Bezdicek) of rural Waldorf; one sister, Renae Clarke; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Preceded in death by his parents; wife, Elaine; daughter, Lynn Lindeland; two sisters Glee Hodapp and Vivann Possin.