Ralph Emil McClaflin
Wednesday, May 17, 1939
Date of Death:
Sunday, July 24, 2022
Age:
83 years old
Visitation
Date: Sunday July 31, 2022
Time: 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Location: River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home [ view map ]
Second Visitation
Date: Monday August 01, 2022
Time: 10:00 am - 11:00 am
Location: River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home [ view map ]
Memorial Service
Date: Monday August 01, 2022
Time: 11:00 am
Location: River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home [ view map ]
Burial
Location: Byron Cemetery
Wednesday, May 17, 1939
Date of Death:
Sunday, July 24, 2022
Age:
83 years old
Wednesday, May 17, 1939
Date of Death:
Sunday, July 24, 2022
Age:
83 years old
Ralph Emil McClaflin
Ralph E. McClaflin, 83, of Byron, passed away on Sunday, July 24, 2022, at Saint Marys Hospital in Rochester surrounded by family. Ralph was born in Valley City, North Dakota on May 17, 1939 to Gilbert and Bertha McClaflin.
Ralph lived a long, happy life filled with many good memories alongside his wife, Cathy, of 61 years. He served as the Executive Baker at Yellowstone National Park and went on to retire as a chef for the Holiday Inn South after over 30 years of employment. After retirement, Ralph spent his time traveling, wintering in Texas for 12 years and Arizona for 6 years, golfing, riding horses, cooking, gardening, baking, camping, and spending time with his family. If he wasn’t doing one of these things, you could find him at Otto’s BS’ing over a cup of coffee and a donut. Another place he would sneak off to was the casino, which you would only know if the day was a winner. Anyone that was blessed to meet Ralph gained a loyal friend, or at least a good laugh and a few frooties. To know him was to love him, and he will be dearly missed by many.
He is survived by his wife, Catherine (Hegge) McClaflin; his sister, Faye Huber; his children, James (Lougene) McClaflin, David (Kim McGurren) McClaflin, and Michelle (Michael) Mikkalson; his grandchildren, Dustin (Brianne) McClaflin, Bruce (Kayla) McClaflin, Hannah (Spencer) Feldman, Layton (Savanna Fonkert) Mikkalson, Taylor (Tanner) Gustafson, Tasha (Gene Mueller) McClaflin, Aylisha (Tizoc) Ness; his step-grandchildren, Katie (Jason) Snow, Erin Mikkalson; his great-grandchildren, Piper, Marek, Tripp, and Teagan McClaflin, and Liam Gustafson; step great-grandchildren, Logan and Evan Snow, Gabby, Keegan, and Jack Mikkalson; and his many nieces and nephews.
Ralph was preceded in death by his parents and his brothers, Gilbert, William, Edward, and James Allen McClaflin.
The memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, August 1, 2022 in the River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home with Father Thomas Loomis officiating. Visitation will be held on Sunday, July 31, 2022 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. in the River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home and one hour prior to the service on Monday. Burial will be in Byron Cemetery.
Condolences
The family of Ralph Emil McClaflin has received the following condolences.
Cathy and family! So sorry to hear about Ralph! He was always so present to talk too and always had that grin on his face! Prayers for all of you! LaVern and Connie
Cathy and family, Sorry for your loss.
I have many fond memories working along side Ralph at Holiday Inn South. He was a great person and mentor as I moved up roles in the kitchen to finally broiler cook and banquets. I always respond when asked where my favorite place of employment was: "Holiday Inn". We always had the best times while working and Ralph was a huge part of that. He put in many hours and assured that we were providing the best customer service, whether serving the patrons in the restaurant or a party of 300. My deepest sympathy and prayers go out to your entire family. May all the wonderful memories bring you comfort and peace.
Dear Cathy,
Don and I were so sad to hear of Ralph’s passing. We always enjoyed the block parties and times we were all together or just running into him. I loved his laughter and the twinkle in his eye. Ralph was always a pleasure to be around.
We will miss you both at Sunrise RV. Our Deepest Condolences to you Cathy and all of the family.
Take Care of yourself, Big Hugs
Don and Heather (398)
Dear Cathy and family. So sorry to hear of Ralph's passing. We had a camper at Clarke's Campground at Lake Frances. Ralph was a hoot! Best known for his choclate chip cookies
he would share with us at the campground. along with his funny wit. Our condolences to your whole family. Molly & Wayne Goebel
I would like to extend my deepest sympathy to the family.He was one of a kind,A real person. He will keep the people up there entertained for sure!
Our sincere sympathies to you Cathy and all your families. He was an amazing friend.. will always remember his great personality and friendship. Ralph was a very dear friend. Hugs and love to you all.
We are so sorry to hear of Ralph’s passing. Our deepest condolences to you Cathy and your family. Sending prayers and hugs.
Tom and I are so sorry to hear about Ralph’s passing. We didn’t know him well but he and Cathy were our neighbors at Sunrise RV Resort in Apache Junction, AZ. Ralph was always there with a hello and a friendly smile. Our sincerest sympathy to Cathy and family.
My heart is heavy to hear of the loss of our good friend Ralph. So happy we have all the memories we shared in Texas over the years. Prayers for all of the family. Sorry I am so far away and can’t share with you in the celebration of his life. He will remain in my heart. Silvia