Ralph H. Hoeper passed away Saturday, Oct. 12, 2019, at St. Mark’s Living in Austin.

He was born Feb. 3, 1920, to Jacob H. “Jack” and Cassie M. (Herrington) Hoeper in Austin.

Ralph carried and delivered the Austin Daily Herald — 60 papers a day — starting at age 9 for nine years until he graduated from Austin High School in 1938. Always a very hard worker, he was fortunate to get a job after high school at what was then the George A. Hormel Co. — where he worked 44 years, before retiring in 1982. During his residence in Austin he built five homes and personally completed the finishing work inside of each structure.

Ralph was a four-year veteran of World War II. He served in the U.S. Army Air Corps in the Southwest Pacific areas of New Guinea, the Philippines islands and Japan. He was honorably discharged, returning home in January 1946.

Before Ralph went overseas, he married Helen Oftedahl of Albert Lea. They were married in Yuma, Arizona, on Oct. 17, 1943, and were blessed with two sons and nearly 75 years of marriage at the time of Helen’s passing on Sept. 9, 2018.

Ralph was a member of First Baptist Church in Austin for many years. He served as financial secretary and was a member of the advisory board. He was an avid golfer for over 40 years, playing at Ramsey Golf Course, Austin Country Club and Green Lea Golf Club.

Ralph is survived by his two sons, David (Carla) and Peter (Lisa); four grandchildren, Joshua (Nicole), Lisa (Brent) Radford, Adam and Justin (Phalen) Stang; 11 great-grandchildren; and two nieces, Judy (David) Bulger and Darla (Roger) Siefker.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Helen; two brothers and their wives, Chet and Margaret and Robert and Betty; one nephew, Terry Hoeper; and all his aunts, uncles and cousins.

Ralph’s family wishes to sincerely thank the many fine residents and the professional colleagues at St. Mark’s Living in Austin during his accumulative 10 years at St. Mark’s Apartments, St. Mark’s Memory Care, St. Mark’s Skilled Nursing and Ecumen Hospice during his final weeks.

Per Ralph’s wishes, there will be a private burial in Lakewood Cemetery in Albert Lea.

Bayview/Freeborn Funeral Home will assist the family with arrangements.

Memorials can be directed to Mower County Senior Advocacy at 400 Third Ave. NE, Austin, MN 55912.