Ralph G. Messelt, 81

Ralph G. Messelt, 81, of East Grand Forks, passed away Monday, November 11, 2024 at the Villa St.Vincent of Crookston, MN, with his wife by his side.

Ralph Goodwin Messelt was born January 23, 1943, in Fosston, MN to Arvid and Hattie (Zahl) Messelt. His family lived in several places while growing up but settled in Oslo, MN where he graduated from high school in 1961. Ralph then went on to Moorhead State University where he earned a degree in accounting in 1974, which he never used. On April 16, 1966, Ralph married Roberta Dahlstrom in Oslo, MN.  They made their home in East Grand Forks and were blessed with three sons, Mick, Danny & Tyler. Ralph worked in real estate in Grand Forks where he was better known as Red River Ralph and after 9-11 went to work for the US Customs in Warroad, MN retiring in 2012. Ralph instilled in his family a love of the outdoors, especially fishing and hunting. On the day their oldest son was born they bought a cabin at Tulaby Lake, MN where Ralph loved spending time fishing with his sons and grandchildren. 

Those who knew Ralph will understand his urn, which is a Folgers can. Ralph drank coffee from the time he woke up until going to bed at midnight. Some of Ralph’s other favorite things were the cabin at Tulaby Lake, MN, Buffalo Bay, Manitoba, the NW Angle, and a trip Roberta and Ralph took to Alaska with their three boys. 

Ralph is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Roberta Messelt of East Grand Forks; sons Mick (Sherry) Messelt of Lengby, MN, Danny (Jennifer) Messelt and Tyler (Holly) Messelt  all of East Grand Forks; grandchildren Mackenzie, Leah, Ella, Gage, and Jadyn Messelt; siblings Paul Messelt of Fargo, John (LaVerne) Messelt of Sun City, AZ, Lennie (Ken) Slocumb of State College, PA, Mark (Patty) Messelt, and Brian Messelt all of Moorhead, MN. He was preceded in death by his parents Arvid and Hattie Messelt and sister-in-law Joanne Messelt. 

Ralph’s family would like to express their heartfelt thanks to the staff of the Villa St.Vincent and Hospice of the Red River Valley for their loving care of Ralph. Their kindness will always be remembered and appreciated. 

VISITATION: One hour prior to the service at the church

INTERMENT: Resurrection Cemetery

Online Guestbook: www.dandahlfuneralhome.com