Ralph David Smude

Ralph David Smude, age 88, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his family on August 28, 2020, from complications of COPD. Ralph was born in Pine Center on July 19, 1932 to Frank & Lena (Marohn) Smude. He married the love of his life, LaVonne “Bonnie” Hoskins on September 26, 1953. In 1955, they moved to their current home, where they raised their 6 children.

Ralph worked at Meadow Gold Dairy in Brainerd for 20 years, until they closed in the early 70’s. After that, he bought feeder pigs from area farmers and hauled them to Lamberton sale barn for the next 10 years. He pursued his passion for farming as his next full-time job, that he continued until he passed. Ralph was always happiest when he was working, driving tractors, baling hay, and caring for his cows. He enjoyed hunting, trapping, cutting wood, blowing up beaver dams, and visiting with family and friends.

Ralph is preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Carol; son-in-law, Darrell “Chip” Wold; grandson, Darrell “George” Wold; half-brother, Tom Smude; stepsister, Shirley Zebroski.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 67 years, Bonnie; daughters: Dianne Wold, Connie (Earl) Cooley, Peggy Maxe; sons: Tony (Teresa) Smude, Chad (Ron Sterbenz) Smude; sisters: Dorothy Lockwood, Maxine Debler, and Joanne Martin; 9 grandchildren; 15 great grandchildren; 8 great-great grandchildren.

Visitation for Ralph will be held on Wednesday, September 2, 2020 from 4-7PM at Halvorson Taylor Life Events Center (512 S 8th St, Brainerd). Memorial services for Ralph will be private.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to St Croix hospice. Caring for Ralph & the Smude Family: Halvorson Taylor Funeral Home www.halvorsontaylor.com