Ralph Earl Dyer

RALPH EARL DYER, age 95 of Waterville formerly Elysian, died surrounded by his family on the afternoon of Monday, March 31, 2025 at Mayo Clinic Health System in St. James.

Ralph was born in Des Moines, IA, on July 21, 1929 to parents James Willis and Mary Madeline (Thompson) Dyer. He attended school in Iowa. Ralph was married to Bertha Delores Bainter in Des Moines on July 1, 1948. Shortly thereafter, in 1952, Ralph began his service in the United States Army where he became an anti-aircraft specialist. He was honorably discharged from the military in 1954. Ralph worked in the construction industry for most of his life. His family owned and operated a roofing company and he was also a lathe installer. Following his career years he worked part-time with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and the rest area in Elysian. Ralph was active with the United Methodist congregation in Elysian where he enjoyed participating in church activities, he liked creating various crafts, and he volunteered many years of his time with the Elysian American Legion Honor Guard.

Ralph is survived by his daughter, Margaret Mooers of Aitkin; two grandchildren, Cara (Scott) Shaver of Aitkin and Jesse (Lisa) Hellerud of Minnetonka; three great-grandchildren, Jessica Shaver, Meg Hellerud, and Annika Hellerud and her fiancé Shane Ellanson; three sisters-in-law, Pat Dyer, Janet Dyer, and JoAnn Dyer; numerous nieces and nephews; very good friends, Ted and Jeanne Zwart of Elysian; and his beloved dog, Buddy.

He was preceded in death by both of his parents; his wife of 74 years, Bertha; brothers Ed, Dick, Charlie, Dale, and Ted Dyer; and sister Barbara Hastings.

Ralph’s family would like to offer their heartfelt thanks to the staff and residents of Traditions in Waterville for the care and friendship they offered to Ralph.

A memorial service hosted by Ralph’s family will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Sunday, April 27, 2025, at the Elysian United Methodist Church, lead by Rev. Dean Wolf. Visitation will be held from 12:00 p.m. until the time of the service at the church. Interment will be held on a later date at Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis.