Ralph Jahnke

Ralph G. Jahnke, 96, of Parkers Prairie, died on Thursday, May 5, 2022, at the St. William’s Living Center in Parkers Prairie.

Ralph Gustav was born on June 16, 1925, at Parkers Prairie the son of Gustav William and Emma Paulin (Jantzen) Jahnke. He was baptized at North Effington and confirmed there on September 31, 1939. Ralph attended school District #50 and graduated from Parkers Prairie High School.

He entered the U.S. Navy on January 23, 1945, and served during W.W.II as a Sea Man 1st class on the Destroyer M.S.S. Stickell DD888. Ralph was discharged on July 19, 1946.

On April 16, 1955, he married Etta Jean Hofferbert at the Henning Lutheran Church. The couple farmed in the Parkers Prairie area most of their married life until retirement and moving into Parkers Prairie. Ralph enjoyed hunting out West and started the Rondivoo’s Black Shoots. He raised wild game birds, wild animals and started wild rice on the farm.

He is a life member of the Zion North Effington Lutheran Church. Ralph is also a member of the American Legion Post #219, the Prairie Eagle Saddle Club, West Central Muzzle Loaders Club, Ring Necks for Evermore Club, Parkers Sportsman Club, and Registered Spanish Mustang A.C.S.

Hobbies include Gun Smithing, Wood Carving, Photography, Drawing, Writing, Taxidermist, Artist, Hunter, Fisherman, Mason, Farming, Raising Bees (Apiarian), Horseman along with raising Registered Spanish Mustangs; also enjoys reenacting Civil War and being with his family.

Preceding him in death were his parents, Gustav and Emma; loving wife, Etta Jahnke; a son; one grandson, Jacob; sisters, Alice and Delores and brother, Darold Jahnke.

Ralph is survived by four children, Charles (Valerie) of Parkers Prairie, Curtis (Jackie) of Alexandria, Daniel (Ginger) of Alaska and Krista Schwering; grandchildren, Theo, Tristan, Robert, Zakkary (Jasmine), Jonathan, Jordan, Bryan (Nikki) and Terra, CJ and Jacob; 5 great grandchildren; a brother, Harlan (Katie) Jahnke along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Memorials preferred to the Jahnke Farm, 13651 Nelson Road, Parkers Prairie, MN 56361.

Visitation: one hour prior to the service at the church

Service: 2 p.m., Tuesday, May 31, 2022, at North Effington Zion Lutheran Church, rural Parkers Prairie

Clergy: Rev. Dennis Angland

Burial: North Effington Zion Lutheran Cemetery

Military Honors: Parkers Prairie American Legion Post 219.

Funeral Home: Glende-Nilson Funeral Home, Fergus Falls, MN