Ralph Lloyd Rensberger was born on December 15, 1920, to Earl and Grace (Elliott) Rensberger at Twin Brooks, SD. While Ralph was an infant, his family moved to Wilmot, SD. Participation in sports, particularly basketball, made school years special. He graduated from Wilmot High School in 1938, and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in pharmacy at Brookings South Dakota State College in 1943. Following graduation, he served in the army until the end of World War II, as a water purification technician. In civilian life, he pursued his profession, employed by a pharmacy in Milbank, SD. While there, he met Carol Anderson. An ambitious young man, Ralph married Carol on September 12, 1948, and they bought the Hoyt Rexall Drug in Dawson, MN, on August 1, 1949. Pharmacy to him was dutiful service to community health care.
Ralph and Carol were blessed with four children. Their school activities were of prime importance to Ralph. Avid interest in school sports continued for years. His love of hunting and fishing, love for his grandchildren, love of reading, and rapport with friends gave him enjoyment. Wintering in Mesa for five years has brought more friends to enjoy.
He grew up as a Presbyterian and found a church home in Dawson where he taught Sunday School, was a Trustee, and ruling Elder. He served as church treasurer for many years and Memorial Fund treasurer until only months ago.
Ralph was a 50 year member of the Dawson American Legion and VFW, being Quartermaster of the later for 35 years. He was treasurer and driving force for the Dawson Rod and Gun Club the past twenty years. He received a commendation for his many years as public education and daffodil sales chairman for the County American Cancer Society.
Ralph was a humble, quietly dependable person, so his quick, dry humor often came as a surprise. His courage in coping with health problems was an inspiration to many. His death at Mesa Lutheran Hospital on March 21, 1998, at the age of 77, resulted from complications following surgery.
Ralph is survived by his wife, Carol; his family: Keith and wife, Mary Beth, of Boulder, CO, Janet Rensberger of Edina, MN, Lee and wife, Debbie, of Monticello, MN, and Julie and husband, Tom, Leever of Perkinsville, VT; 7 grandchildren: Ryan, Katie, Lisa, and Michael, Jessica, Jaynee, and John; brothers: Stanley (Thelma) of Ortonville, Rex (June) of Wilmot, SD, Don (Linda) of Sioux Falls, SD, and Dean (Margaret Ann) of Salina, KS; and sisters: Fern Weber of St. Paul, MN, and Cleo (Allan) Anderson of Wilmot, SD; many nieces, nephews, friends, his church family, and by his extended family.
He was preceded in death by his parents and a little brother, Max.