Date of Birth:
Wednesday, June 5, 1929
Date of Death:
Thursday, May 23, 2019
Age:
89 years old

Ralph William Kuisle

Ralph William Kuisle, 89, passed away peacefully at his home in Byron, MN on Thursday, May 23, 2019.

Faith, Family, Farming, Flowers and Football are the 5 F’s to summarize Ralph.

Ralph was born and grew up in Rochester on his family farm. He was the son of Katherine (O’Mahony) and Edward Kuisle. Ralph was the seventh out of eight children. He attended Lourdes High School.

He met the love of his life, Virginia (Dee) Kuisle, and in June 1952 they were married at St. John’s Catholic Church in Rochester and enjoyed a 62 year journey together. Ralph was just shy of 90 years old. He enjoyed and adored his five children, eleven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

Ralph was drafted during the Korean War to the military (Army) in the 1950s. After returning home, Virginia accepted a teaching position in Byron and Ralph got the family farm created. He loved his animals, driving his tractors and working in his gardens.

Ralph was a pioneer in many different ways. He helped his family, no matter what needed to happened. He even did the laundry and dishes. He also attended classes to try different ways of farming and milking. He wasn’t afraid to try new things.

He was a charter member of Christ the King Catholic Church in Byron and was currently a member of the church’s Knights of Columbus group.

Ralph was a simple guy. He loved time spent with his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He tried to have tiny toys in his pockets so he was always prepared to play.

Ralph is survived by his daughters, Rosemary (Tim) Schmerbeck of Mantorville and Beverly Kaehler of Kasson; sons, Don (Pam) Kuisle of Byron and Dale (Karen) Kuisle of Byron; son-in-law, Ken Lubahn of Oronoco; grandchildren, Katherine Schmerbeck, Kimberly (Mike) Grossmann, Shawn Schmerbeck, Kelly (Spencer) Klemm, Michelle (Steve) Lange, Samantha (Tony) Thorn, Christine (Martell) Cole, David Kuisle, Ryan (Laura) Kuisle, and Laura Kuisle; great-grandchildren, Amira Kuisle, Zoey Cole, Kendall Klemm, Brody Klemm, Peter Kuisle, Charles Kuisle and Eowyn Grossmann. He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Mary Kuisle of Stewartville; brother-in-laws, Stanley Dee and Ray (Shirleyann) Dee and many nieces and nephews.

Ralph was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Virginia (Dee) Kuisle; daughter, Deb Lubahn; son-in-law, Leroy Kaehler; grandson, Kenneth Kuisle; and four brothers and three sisters.

A Christian wake service will be held Tuesday, May 28 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Byron Funeral Home, in Byron Minnesota. Recitation of the rosary will be said at 8:00 p.m.

The funeral Mass will be held at Christ the King Catholic Church in Byron on Wednesday, May 29 at 11 a.m., officiated the Rev. John Lasuba.  Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery in Rochester.

Memorials can be made to Wounded Warriors Project to help support fellow veterans. Online condolences are welcome at www.byronfuneralhome.com.