Ralph Frank Magelky was born in Halliday, ND, on March 2, 1922, to George and Eva (Krug) Magelky. He passed away Monday, November 16, 2009, in Sturgis, SD. He was the youngest of seven children, and attended school in Havelock, ND. Ralph served in the Civilian Conservation Corps in Minnesota.

On October 4, 1945, Ralph married Rose Zich, the love of his life, in Mott, ND. They farmed near Regent, ND, where their six children were born. In 1964, after too many hailstorms and hard times made it difficult to provide for his family, Ralph and Rose decided to sell the farm and move to Wyoming where they purchased the store and motel in Aladdin.

In 1966, Ralph began work at the Homestake Mine in Lead, SD. That summer, they moved their family to Sturgis. Ralph suffered a serious heart attack in 1984, which concluded his work at the mine and also his playing of his favorite musical instrument, the accordion. He then devoted his time to other music and taking home movies until Rose's retirement in 1988. They sold their home in Sturgis and became RV'ers. They traveled across the country, staying with their adult children, friends, and other relatives. Summers were spent at Hart Ranch where they made lifelong friends with people from all over the United States.

Ralph loved music, dancing, playing cards, his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. But Ralph's greatest enjoyment in life was spending time with "his Rose". Ralph was a member of the Knights of Columbus.

Those thankful for sharing in Ralph's life are sisters-in-law, Sister Agnes Zich, Marge Zich, Dorothy Magelky, Marge Magelky, and Emma Magelky; children, Bob and Jean Magelky, Pierre, Tom and Cindy Magelky, Thermopolis, WY, Eileen Magelky, Sheridan, WY, Lee and Lori Magelky, Sturgis, Ed and Suzanne Magelky, Bentonville, AR, and Ralphine and Russell Kruse, Coal Valley, IL; twenty-one grandchildren; and twenty-six great-grandchildren.

Preceding Ralph in death was his wife, Rose; parents, George and Eva; sister, Lena Mellmer; and brothers, Tony, Frank, George, John, and Steve Magelky.

The family would like to thank all of those who have been involved in Ralph's life, including his special friends Jana and Harold Flanscha, Doris and Mike Smith, Virginia and Richard Hemmingway, and Don and the late Lou Mayhugh.

Ralph is now playing polkas with Tony and friends; listen closely and you may hear.

Visitation will be Thursday from noon until 9:00 p.m. with a Rosary beginning at 7:00 p.m. at Kinkade Funeral Chapel.

Mass of Christian burial will be Friday, November 20, 2009, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church with Father Arnold Kari officiating. Burial will follow at St. Aloysius Cemetery.