Ralph Blenker

Ralph J. Blenker, age 80 of Albany, died peacefully, surrounded by his family on Wednesday, June 28, 2017 at the Quiet Oaks Hospice House in St. Augusta, Minnesota after a courageous battle with cancer.

A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, July 3 at Seven Dolors Catholic Church in Albany with Rev, Isaiah Frederick, O.S.B. officiating and Rev. Cletus Connors, O.S.B. and Rev. Edward Vebelun, O.S.B. concelebrating. Entombment will be held in the parish cemetery.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Sunday and from 9 to 11 a.m. Monday at the Seven Dolors Gathering Area in Albany. Parish prayers will be held at 4 p.m. Sunday evening in the gathering area.

Ralph Joseph Blenker was born August 17, 1936 in Oak Township, Stearns County, Minnesota to Joseph and Philomena (Schwinghammer) Blenker. He was united in marriage to Corrine Brang on September 4, 1961 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Meire Grove. The couple resided south of Albany and farmed their entire life. They welcomed eleven children.

Ralph was a hard worker and loved farming! He loved the dairy life and tending to his cows. He enjoyed springtime, fieldwork, driving tractor, checking the crops, and was proud to share his knowledge of farming. He also enjoyed reading, especially the local news, playing solitaire on the computer, checkers, watching Minnesota sports teams and his grandkids' games, bowling, and playing cards, especially 500.

Ralph was a member of Seven Dolors Catholic Church where he served as an usher and Eucharistic Minister. He was also a member of Catholic United Financial, Albany Mutual Fire Insurance, American Dairy Association, Dairy Herd Improvement Association, a member on the Dairy Advisory Board, and Albany American Legion Post 482.

Survivors include his wife of 55 years, Corrine Blenker of Albany; children, Barbara Blenker Wehlage of St. Cloud, James Blenker of Albany, Beverly (Tom) Lieser of Albany, Brenda (Thomas) Wehlage of Sauk Rapids, Rachel Blenker of Brooklyn Park, Gail (Peter) Waldorf of Corcoran, Gary Blenker of Freeport, Pamela (Joe) Loehr of Spring Hill, Stacy (Jayson) Revoir of Royalton, Ryan Blenker of Freeport, Corey (Manda) Blenker of Albany; 22 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren; brother, Allen (MaryAnn) Blenker of Albany; and sister, Rita (Tom) Middendorf of Freeport.

Ralph was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Darlene; nephews, Karl Middendorf, Kevin Blenker, and Ronald Blenker; and mother and father-in-law.

Serving as urn bearer will be Corey Blenker. Cross bearer will be Tanner Blenker and scripture bearer will be Craig Lieser. Honorary bearers will be the Anniversary Group.