Ralph E. Belanus, Jr.

Ralph E. Belanus, Jr., age 78 of Walhalla, ND passed away Wednesday, October 17, 2007 at Valley Eldercare Center, Grand Forks, ND. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, October 24, 2007, at 11:00 a.m. at the Walhalla Lutheran Church, Walhalla, ND. Visitation will be held Tuesday, October 23rd from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. with a 7:00 p.m. prayer service at the Walhalla Lutheran Church. Visitation at church for one hour before the time of services. Burial in the Hillside Cemetery, Walhalla. Arrangements with Nelson-Askew Funeral Home, Walhalla, ND.
Ralph was born May 29, 1929, on his homestead north of Walhalla, ND to Ralph Sr. and Mary Elizabeth (Bartholomew) Belanus. He grew up in the Walhalla and attended the Colburn Rural School.
On October 21, 1950, he married Helen D. Dreger at Cavalier, ND. He farmed with his dad and brother, on the family farm and later farmed on his own until his retirement at age 75.
Ralph enjoyed traveling, accordion and country western music, picking wild blueberries, and life in general. He loved being with his family and playing whist. He had a knack for storytelling and making people laugh. His nickname often used by close family and friends was "Bud."
Survivors include his wife, Helen; children, R. Ronald (Diane) Belanus, Cavalier, ND; Leslie (Jeanette) Belanus, Cooperstown, ND; George (Wanda) Belanus, Milton, ND; Kathryn (Christ) Hamann, Badger, MN; grandchildren, Duane, Rhonda, Jacob, Mary, Jenny, Randi, Melinda, Victoria, Josie, Melissa, and Neil; great grandchildren, Ethan, McKenzie, Rylee, and Aidian; brother, Theodore (Adeline) Belanus, Grand Forks, ND.
Ralph was preceded in death by his parents, brother in infancy, and a child by miscarriage.
Clergy: The Rev. Elsie Magnus.
Casket Bearers: Charles Belanus, Gary Belanus, Jim Belanus, Mike Belanus, Steve Bjornstad,Bruce Magnus, Robert Pitcher, and Joe Urlaub.
Honorary Pallbearers: Ardell Bjornstad, Donald Bjornstad, Omar Bjornstad, Paul Bjornstad, Tom Bjornstad, and Robert Blair.
Music: Sharon Carpenter, Organist.