Ralph Brake

Ralph Joseph Brake passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 25, 2018, at Viewcrest Health Center.  Ralph was born on February 14, 1940, in Wilmont, Minnesota to Henry and Lidwina Brake.  Ralph was a happy and teasing soul.  Following his graduation from Sauk Centre High School, Ralph joined the Air Force where he traveled extensively, especially while stationed in Germany.  He also had the opportunity to work with NASA in air-sea rescue for the Apollo lunar missions. Following his retirement from the Air Force, Ralph worked in banking for 20 years and then retired from Essentia Health after 18 years working as a courier.

Ralph married the love of his life, Helen Beuning on October 6, 1962, in the Church of St. Francis of Assisi in rural Freeport, Minnesota.  His other loves included hunting and fishing, especially at Fish Lake where he spent many enjoyable hours on the lake and at High Bank’s Resort with his friend, Tim Wagner.  On most days you would see Ralph in his westerns books, even as he and Helen danced to their favorite polka music.  Ralph spent many wonderful hours with Helen, and with their family and friends, playing Scrabble and other card and board games.

Ralph is preceded in death by his parents and brother, Kenneth.  He is survived by his loving wife, Helen; sons Pat (Lori) Seattle, WA; Mike (Cheryl) Montgomery, AL; and Mark (Alison) Conifer, CO; sister Jan (Jim) Pieper Anoka, MN; 10 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren with a great-granddaughter to arrive in September; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and brother- and sister-in-laws.  He will be deeply missed by family and friends.

Visitation will be held on Friday August 3, 2018 from 5PM to 7PM with a 6:30PM Rosary Recitation in Dougherty Funeral Home.  600 E. 2nd St. Duluth, MN 58805.  Visitation will continue Saturday August 4, 2018 from 9:30AM until the 11AM Memorial Mass in St. Lawrence Catholic Church.  2410 Morris Thomas Rd. Duluth, MN 55811.  Arrangements by Dougherty Funeral Home.  218-727-3555.