Ralph Walkup

Ralph Walkup, age 85, passed away on September 13, 2021 at Sanford Healthcare in Fargo, North Dakota.

Ralph was born on April 17, 1936 in Wadena, Minnesota to parents LaVelle and Ruby Walkup. He grew up on Foxhome farm before being drafted into the army when he was 18 years old, mostly being stationed in Fairbanks, Alaska before leaving the army in 1956.

On February 8, 1958 he was joined in marriage to Twila Jacobson at Foxhome Lutheran Church. They had three children together: Kelly, Marcia, and Todd. He worked as a heavy equipment mechanic for Burgus Construction where he helped build interstate 90 and 94 until he bought his farm in 1972.

Ralph was a hard-worker and was always fixing things. He loved collecting and fixing up international tractors and being in his shop working on farm trucks. Ralph enjoyed trains, hunting, reading about history and logging in Minnesota, having family picnics on the deck, and sitting in front of the fireplace with his cats. Ralph enjoyed going to have coffee at the Elizabeth gas station.  He was a member of Augustana Lutheran Church in Elizabeth.

Ralph is survived by his wife Twila, daughter Marcia (Mark) Drechsel, and sons, Kelly (Sandie) Walkup, and Todd Walkup. Brothers John “Jack” (Janice) Walkup of Fergus Falls, Bruce Walkup of Fergus Falls, Jay Peter (Mavis) Walkup of Fergus Falls. Sister Connie Peterson of Fergus Falls, sister-in-law Joannie Walkup. Grandchildren Jeremy Drechsel, Jessica (Zach) Ridout, Nancy Walkup, Mason Walkup. Great-grandchildren Jayla Ridout and Gavin Ridout, and numerous nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents LaVelle and Ruby Walkup, siblings and their spouses: Roger and Ardella Walkup, Bill Walkup, Mary and Don Salter, Kate and Steve Homes.

The family of Ralph would like to give a special thank you to the nurses at Dialysis, LB Home Care, Sanford Fargo Hospice, and the physical and occupational therapist that took care of Ralph.

A family service will be held at the Glende-Nilson Funeral Home Monday, September 20, at 2:00pm with a visitation one hour prior.