Ralph J. Rucinski

Ralph Rucinski, 96, of Warren, MN, died an hour before Palm Sunday, late Saturday night, March 23, 2024, in Luther Memorial Home of Mayville, ND.

Ralph entered this world on December 5, 1927. His parents, Frank and Judith (Hager) raised the family in Minneapolis before moving to Becida, MN, where Ralph spent his childhood. After graduating the one-room Sunnyhill Schoolhouse, Ralph was drafted into the US Army and served in Korea. From July of 1951 to July of 1953, Ralph fought hand-to-hand and witnessed the brutality of war. Ralph received his honorable discharge and returned to Becida where he farmed with his family.

In 1965, Ralph eloped to Warren with Frances Wettschreck. The couple and their son, Leroy, made Warren their home where Ralph worked for the City of Warren for 24 and a half years, 15 of them on the garbage truck. Their motto was “Satisfaction guaranteed or double your garbage back!” Ralph was a man made of flesh and spirit. It has been said of Ralph that you could either take him or leave him. He enjoyed the simple pleasure of getting a rise out of friends and neighbors... and even strangers. And if he didn't always consider his fellow man when making a scene, his Lord God was always a priority. Ralph never missed Mass and always said his prayers, say what you will about how crass he might have been.

Ralph was a member of the Warren American Legion, a lifetime member of the VFW, and faithfully attended Sts. Peter and Paul until his health prevented him. In his younger years he enjoyed deer hunting, pan fishing, and umping baseball games: win or lose, he cheered for his Twins. Frances died on Valentines Day 2003, and as much as he missed her (which was a lot) he missed Leroy even more.

If you could cut through his crusty exterior, you'd find a heart much larger and softer than expected.

Ralph is survived by his niece, Molly (Brice) Vollbrecht; daughter-in-law, Connie Rucinski; brothers, Edmund (Joy Christensen) Rucinski and Raymond (Patricia) Rucinski; sister-in-law, Lois Rucinski; and nieces and nephews, Joseph (Kailey) Rucinski, Amelia (Ted) Mart, Amanda (Jeff) Rubin and their families.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Frances; son, Leroy; twin brother, Walter (Emily) Rucinski; brothers, Frank Jr. and Benedict Rucinski.

As we enter Holy Week, please pray for the repose of his soul.

MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL: Wednesday, March 27, 2024, at 11:00 AM, in Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church of Warren, MN.
VISITATION: One hour prior.
INTERMENT: Next to his wife, Frances, in Calvary Catholic Cemetery, Warren.

Military Service: Warren American Legion Post #27 and the National Guard.