Ralph Burnard

Ralph L. Burnard, 85, of Nisswa, passed away at his home the morning of July 15, 2022. A Celebration of Ralph’s Life will be held at 3:00 p.m., Thursday, July 21, 2022, at Lake Edward Town Hall. Family and friends are welcome to stay after to share stories, laughter, and food.

Ralph was born October 12, 1936, in Remer, the son of Ernest L. and Pearl C. (Larson) Burnard. After school, Ralph went to work and never stopped. He enjoyed helping people and was always busy putting in or taking out docks, working on roofs, or pouring cement. He also drove bus for Nisswa School. Ralph dedicated 23 years to the Nisswa Fire Department and even more to his wife, Pat. They were married for 36 years and were still waiting to get into their first fight. He was a good husband, a kind father who instilled the importance of working hard and being kind, and a cute old grandpa who either tried to steal your Christmas presents or encouraged you to try chew. Ralph loved his family and cherished the times he spent with them, especially the grandchildren.

He will be dearly missed by his wife, Patricia “Pat” (Gralow); children, Joanne Larson, of Aitkin, Ron  (Cyndi) Burnard, of Brainerd, Linda (Dave) Magnan, of Brainerd, Sheila (Randy) Avenson, of Merrifield, and  Tim (Lynette) Burnard, of Brainerd; step-son, Rich Sly, of Worthington; 15 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; three great- granddogs; and siblings, George Burnard, Helen (Jim) Arnold, and Shirley (Scott) Young. He was  preceded in death by his parents; grandson, Sean Avenson; great-grandson, Brian Jensen; and siblings,  Floyd, Marion, Emma, June, Hazel, Bernice, Mildred, Inez, and Esther.

Nelson – Doran Funeral Home

www.nelson-doran.com

218.829.4755