Ralph Wangen, 1939-2017

Published 12:08 am Tuesday, September 12, 2017

Memorial services for Ralph C. Wangen, 77, of Albert Lea will be at 11 a.m.  Sept. 23 at Trinity Lutheran Church. The Rev. Eileen Woyen will officiate. Military honors will be accorded by the local servicemen’s organizations. Friends may greet the family one hour prior to the service at the church on Saturday. Online condolences are welcome at www.bayviewfuneral.com.

Ralph died Sunday, Sept. 10, 2017, at St. John’s Lutheran Community.

Ralph Wangen

Ralph Conrad Wangen was born Oct. 4, 1939, in Albert Lea, the son of Ralph and Ida (Laite) Wangen. He grew up in Albert Lea, graduating from Albert Lea High School and Hamilton Business School in Mason City. He served in the National Guard, including six months in Alaska.

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On Aug. 31, 1973, Ralph was united in marriage to Eleanor Eggers at First Lutheran Church in Albert Lea. Ralph worked for many years as a security guard. He was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, American Legion and past member of the Eagles and Moose Club. Ralph played trumpet in Blue Banner’s Ole Tyme Band for over 45 years and with the Lutheran Brass Alley Cats Band. He played dartball for Trinity Lutheran Church. He enjoyed watching the Twins, the Vikings and any sports game. Ralph volunteered with the honor guard for military funerals.

Ralph is survived by his wife, Elie Wangen; two daughters, Kelly (Lester) Gleason of Albert Lea and Kris (Molly Kaliher) Worrell of Hudson, Wisconsin; two sons, Kent Worrell of Albert Lea and Randy (Rose) Wangen of New Hope; five grandchildren, John, Ciji and Sean Gleason and Sophia and Sam Wangen; sister, Joan Wittmer of Albert Lea; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives and friends.

Ralph was preceded in death by his parents, foster parents and sister, Sylvia Meuser.

Memorials are preferred to the American Legion and Trinity Lutheran Church.