Ralph James Rogness, 92, of Owatonna died Monday, Dec. 9, 2019 at Birchwood Cottages.

He was born July 19, 1927, in Emmons, the son of Judine and Nina (Flaten) Rogness. Ralph graduated from Emmons High School in 1945. He served in the U.S. Army from October 1945 to January 1947. He then attended Waldorf College and graduated from Luther College with his teaching degree.

Ralph married Alice Struxness on Aug. 18, 1951. He started his teaching career before returning to school at Colorado Teachers College to obtain his masters degree. Ralph taught in Mindoro, Wisconsin, and Elmore prior to moving to Owatonna in 1960. During his teaching career he enjoyed being a realtor part time. He worked for Town and Country Real Estate and later Gillespie Real Estate. At age 55, Ralph took early retirement and began working full time in real estate. Ralph was preceded in death by his wife, Alice, in 2000.

On Aug. 29, 2003, Ralph married Elaine Emmons. He retired from real estate in 2004.

Ralph enjoyed wintering in Arizona. He loved music, golf and socializing with friends and family. He was an avid Minnesota Twins and Minnesota Vikings fan. Ralph was a member of The 50’s Club, Elks Club, Sons of Norway and served as the manager of the Roger Tenney Chorale. He was an active member of Trinity Lutheran Church, where he enjoyed singing in the choir.

He is survived by his wife, Elaine Rogness, of Owatonna; children Scott Rogness of Rochester, Kristin (and Bernard Blee) Rogness of Kasson, Jason Rogness of Nashville, Lori (and Jim Corace) Emmons of Fort Meyers, Florida, and Marc (and Jennifer) Emmons of Owatonna; grandchildren Laynie Rogness, Angeleigh (and John Bluhm) Herber, Nicole Herber, Alyssa Blee, Alanna Blee and Cassandra Emmons; great-grandchildren Trenton Bjerke and Avery Bluhm; brothers Charles (and Helen) Rogness of Sun City, Arizona, and Gary (and Charlotte) Rogness of Hager City, Wisconsin; sister-in-law, Maxine Rogness, of Albert Lea; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Alice Rogness; daughter-in-law, Cindy Rogness; brother, Dean Rogness and an infant sister.

Visitation will be at from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday at Michaelson Funeral Home and from 9 to 10 a.m. Saturday at Trinity Lutheran Church. Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at Trinity Lutheran Church with the Rev. Amanda Floy officiating. Interment will be in St. John Cemetery in Owatonna.