Ralph W. Carlson, age 76, of Deer River, MN, passed away Tuesday, October 3, 2023, at Essentia Health-St. Mary's Medical Center in Duluth, MN.

Ralph William was born September 4, 1947, in Grand Rapids, Minnesota to Ralph Carl and Florence (Hachey) Carlson.  Ralph grew up in Coleraine, Minnesota, and graduated with, arguably, the best Class of 1965 from Greenway High School.  For the next two years Ralph worked in the mines during the day while taking night classes at Itasca Jr. College in Grand Rapids.  He went on to attend Moorhead State University (often referred to as the Harvard of the Midwest) in Moorhead, MN where he earned his bachelor's degree in 1969.

Ralph began his career in Minneapolis until he eventually moved back to Grand Rapids where he met his future bride Merrily Rudolph, who he married in 1981. Ralph and Merrily resided in the Grand Rapids area where they raised their two daughters, Beth and Erin.

Ralph enjoyed a long career in the newspaper business.  He worked in sales for Manney's Shopper, and the Grand Rapids Herald Review but everyone's favorite contribution was his beloved articles entitled "The Outdoorsman". It was here he invited people into the boat with him, cooking at deer camp, or sitting around the wood stove at Al's standard. Ralph retired in 2013 after 36 years of service. He spoke fondly of the relationships he made as a fixture in the community, everyone looking forward to when he came to call.

Over the years he was very active in slo-pitch and fast pitch softball, racquetball, running, and in his later years handball. He made memories across the state as a member of crews that reffed football games and umpired softball, allowing him to enjoy sports even when he wasn't the athlete.

Ralph's most treasured time was spent with Merrily, his grandchildren, and fishing, and when the timing was perfect, all three at once.

Ralph was so loved by so many and people will be sharing stories of him for years to come. While we will all miss his fish fries, we can rest easy knowing he will forever be standing in his favorite spot, at the front of the boat.

Ralph is survived by his wife Merrily of Deer River, MN; daughters Beth (Matt) Frauenshuh of Nashville, TN, and Erin Carlson of Grand Rapids, MN; grandchildren Katie, Max, Auggie, Claire, Cayden, and Elyse; sisters Judy Carlson of St. Paul, MN, and Barb (Larry) Mulneaux of Anchorage, AK; brother Kevin (Margie) Carlson of Murfreesboro, TN and too many friends to name, with his only enemies being the "ones that got away".

A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, October 11, 2023, at 1:00 PM at Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church in Grand Rapids, MN, with a visitation from 12:00 NOON to 1:00 PM prior to the service, at church. The Reverend Maria Annoni PhD, RCWP will officiate.

Arrangements are with the Rowe Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Grand Rapids, MN. To sign the online guestbook or send condolences visit www.rowefuneralhomeandcrematory.com.