1930
Ralph
2008
Ralph Marthaler
January 13, 1930 — October 12, 2008
Ralph Henry Marthaler, known as “Shorty”, was born January 13, 1930 in rural Mahnomen County, Minnesota to Alix and Mary (Bonemeyer) Marthaler. He was raised and educated in rural Mahnomen County. He served with the U. S. Navy. Shorty was united in marriage to Karen Jensen in Aberdeen, SD, August 30, 1974. They lived in Crookston, MN prior to moving to Detroit Lakes in 1979. During his working life, Shorty operated Shorty’s Repair, worked for the Detroit Country Club and managed an apartment building for 18 years.
He enjoyed fishing, motorcycles and bantering with other people.
Shorty is survived by his wife, Karen of Detroit Lakes; son, Mike (LuAnn) of Denver, CO; daughter, Lynn (Kevin) Tiedeman of Grand Junction, CO; three step-sons, John Gonzales of Brownton, MN, Martin (Deanna) Pepper of Lake Park, MN, Gary (Sue) Pepper of Callaway, MN; two step-daughters, Leah (Keith) Watkins of Erhard, MN, Susan (Doug) Latvola of Princeton, MN 12 grandchildren; six great grandchildren; two sisters, Irma Elfring of Lakeville, MN and Angie Field in Washington State. He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Helen; three brothers, Clarence, Bernard and an infant brother, Elmer.
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