Ralph J. Kerchoff, 84, Audubon, MN died Wednesday, March 28, 2018 at Sanford Health in Fargo, ND.

.

alph John Kerchoff was born

September 26, 1933 in Moscow Mills, Missouri to Anthony and Tillie (Walke) Kerchoff. He grew up in Manchester, MO graduating from Eugene Coyle High School in St. Louis. When Ralph was 10 years old, he worked at Crystal Lake Country Club as a caddie and later a waiter. During his teen and young adult life he worked for his Dad’s construction business in St. Louis. Ralph was drafted into the United States Army and proudly

served his country from 1954-1956. Following his honorable discharge he came home and started working for Royal Finance. He traveled and covered a ten state area as a trouble shooter. Ralph was united in marriage to Mary Irons on June 17, 1961 in Minneapolis, MN and they made their home in Fargo. From 1961-1981, Ralph was the office manager for Public Finance (formerly Royal Finance) in Fargo, ND. In 1981 he started working for Rott-Keller as a salesman until he retired in 1994. Ralph and Mary enjoyed their retirement in the Cormorant Lakes area. Ralph was a long time member of the Cormorant Sportsman Club serving many different positions over the years. In his spare time he enjoyed golfing, snowmobiling, fishing, working the land with his tractors, and boating around Big Cormorant Lake. Ralph is survived by his wife Mary Kerchoff of Audubon, MN, one daughter: Nancy (Jeff) Gordon of Lakeville, MN, one son: Mark (Wendy) Kerchoff of Foxboro, MA along with four grandchildren: Luke Gordon, Andrea Gordon, Bryden Kerchoff and Victoria Kerchoff. In addition he is survived by one brother: Roland (Nancy) Kerchoff of Arlington, TN along with several nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, and two brothers: Richard and

Ron.

In Loving Memory

September 26, 1933 ~ March 28, 2018

Service of Love and Remembrance Saturday - April 7, 2018 - 3:00 p.m. David-Donehower Funeral Home

Detroit Lakes, Minnesota

Pastor Tim Cook, Officiating

Music CD Selections Chosen by Family

“How Great Thou Art” and “On Eagles Wings”

Urn Bearers Ralph’s Grandchildren

Luke Gordon Andrea Gordon

Victoria Kerchoff Bryden Kerchoff

I worked the land

I tramped the wood These are the things I understood

No grand schemes They passed me by

I knew the lake, the hills, the sky

To ride a tractor, to drive a boat, to wet a line Gifts from God so good and fine

Friends and family, I loved them so

Although I’m gone, I’m sure they know

I am now at peace, life's battles done I’ve faced the foe and I have won