Ralph was born on February 20, 1933 in Waseca. He graduated from Waseca High School in 1951. He joined the US Air Force and received training as a communication specialist in Morse code. He served with the 839th Engineering Battalion of the US Army.

Ralph married his high school sweetheart, Lorene Mann in 1953, and upon his discharge from the service, he attended Mankato State University, where he graduated in 1960. He taught school for several years in Owatonna and later joined Farmers Insurance as a Claims Adjuster in New Ulm, where he also pursued other business interests.

Upon his retirement in 1995, Ralph and Lorene spent many of the winter months in Orange Beach, AL as snow birds. They enjoyed the warmer weather, the beaches and the many golf courses. They also spent the summer months at their cabin on Lake of the Woods, where they enjoyed fishing for walleyes. Ralph and Lorene later moved to Brainerd to be closer to family.

Ralph was a proud member of the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and Disabled American Veterans.

He is survived by his daughter Debra (Dale) Guggenberger of Cold Spring; son Guy (Kala) Henkensiefken of Bemidji; five grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren and his brother Lyle (Pauline) Henkensiefken of Omaha, NE.

Ralph is preceded in death by his wife Lorene, and his sons Bart and Jeffrey. Ralph and Lorene will both be laid to rest next to their two sons at the New Ulm cemetery. A graveside service will be held on Friday, Nov. 18, 2022 at 11 a.m. with Military Honors presented.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Brenny Family Funeral Chapel, Baxter.

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