Ralph W. Strotheide, 85, passed away peacefully the morning of March 19, 2015 in Rapid City, South Dakota.
Ralph was born August 5, 1929 to Ralph and Nan (Heaton) Strotheide at his grandmother’s house in Hay Springs, Nebraska. He was the second oldest of four children. Ralph lived most of his life in the Hay Springs area and later moved to Chadron where he currently resided.
Ralph met Helen Knapp and they were married October 1, 1950. Ralph was drafted into the Korean War in November 1951, and later deployed to Austria. He was able to have Helen with him while stationed in Austria until 1953. To this union of 65 years two children were born, Sandra and Rick.
Ralph ranched and farmed in the Hay Springs area his entire life. He owned and operated Chadron Sales Company for many years. Ralph was a member of the Hay Springs American Legion, Veterans of Foreign War, Masonic Lodge, and the Nebraska and South Dakota Stockgrowers.
Proceeding Ralph in death were his parents, brothers Donald, and Dean, and in-laws Reggie and Susie Knapp. His survivors include his wife Helen, daughter Sandra (Barton) Koinzan, son Rick (Emma) Strotheide, his pride and joy five grandchildren and five great grandchildren; Greg (Courtney) Koinzan, Ryan (Koryn), Lynae, Lucille, Bode and Wyatt Koinzan, Kara (Matt) and Liam Pelster, Kirk Koinzan and Cassie Baldo, and Regg Strotheide and Rylee Hanks, sister Shirley Butler, in-laws Bob (Joyce) Knapp, Joan (Bubs) Heiting, and Janice Strotheide.
Funeral services will be held Monday, March 23, 2015, 11:00 A.M. at the Methodist Church in Hay Springs, and burial with Military honors in the Hay Springs Cemetery. Everyone is invited to a lunch and sharing of the wonderful memories with family and friends at the Community Hall on South Main in Hay Springs following the services.