Ralph Weis

Ralph Anthony Weis was born on August 9th, 1932, in Perham, Minnesota. His parents were the late Anton & Blanch (Strauch) Weis.

On July 27, 1953, he married his sweetheart, Lois Lucille Lillis at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Dent, Minnesota. Their marriage was blessed with seven children. They were married for 67 years.

Ralph served in the Air Force from 1951-1956. He shared many stories of his treacherous experiences driving heavy equipment loaded with supplies up the steep, snow covered mountains on the DEW Line North of the Artic Circle. He advanced to become a Staff Sergeant and heavy equipment instructor which provided all the knowledge and confidence he needed to start his own road construction business.

He started Weis Construction in Otter Tail County after his time in the Air Force and working in Alaska. Even though he stated he was “retired”, he was caught on occasion running dozer until age 85.

After retiring, Ralph and Lois spent winters in Arizona and New Mexico for 7 years, enjoying the outdoors and following their favorite polka bands. Once they moved back to Minnesota full time, he built their last house on their favorite pond at age 72.

He was the wise patriarch of the family, always there for guidance and empathy when we struggled to make sense of others and the world around us. He was very in touch with his spiritual side and encouraged us to forgive others, strive for internal peace, and believe in our own self-worth. He reminded us there is positive all around if we look for it. His true gifts were making everyone feel good about who they were and reminding them “you are very special”.

Because of his deeply close & loving relationships with his children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, family, and friends, his profound impact on our lives cannot be put into words. We will hold tightly to our collection of beautiful and humorous memories, and he will be dearly missed forever.

His hobbies included entertaining, traveling, polka dancing, gardening, making sauerkraut, fishing, hunting, snowmobiling, camping, daily walks, and helping others.

On June 10th, 2024, Ralph passed away at 91 years of age. Preceding Ralph in death was his wife Lois, his parents Blanch (Strauch) & Anton Weis, sister Jeanne Weis, and brothers John & Frank Weis.

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