Ralph O. Mackey

Ralph Otto Mackey, age 83, passed into eternal life Friday, August 13, 2021 in his home at Onamia, MN, surrounded by his family.

Ralph was born February 5, 1938 to Rose and Raymond Mackey.  He was raised in Hampden, ND, and graduated from Hampden High School in 1956.  After graduation he went to Minneapolis, where he attended a school to be a locomotive engineer.  Upon further review, he decided to try his hand at farming, the career he continued until his passing.  Ralph married Bernice Anderson on October 30, 1960.  They had three children, Robin, Shawn, and Leslie, whom they raised on the family farm at Edmore, ND.  Through his life, Ralph was an active member at Living Word Free Lutheran Church, Lutheran Lay Renewal, and the Gideons.  Ralph and Bernice farmed and lived in Edmore until 2011, when they moved to Mille Lacs Lake in Onamia, MN, where they acquired their log home.  They had also wintered in Mission, TX every year since 1990.  Ralph enjoyed spending time with his family, attending auctions, flea markets, and collecting many different types of antiques; but the thing he was always most passionate about was using his hard working hands to farm.

Ralph leaves this legacy to his wife, Bernice; his 2 daughters, Robin Blazer and Leslie (Cory) Ploeger; his 10 grandchildren, Noelle Crockett, Tyler (Chelsea) Crockett, Jordan (Angelo) Calayag, Alexandra (Trevor) Blum, Jerica (Samuel) Bolt, Bailey, Gerald, Kendra, Tanner, and Parker Mackey; 7 great-grandchildren; and 3 great-great-grandchildren.

Other family members that Ralph is survived by are his brothers, Ron (Sue) and Robert; his sisters, Rosalie (Alfred) Ellingson and Rhonda Rostberg.

He was preceded in death by his son, Shawn Mackey; and his parents, Raymond and Rose Mackey.

Visitation will be held at the Aaker Funeral Home of Lakota, ND, on Thursday, August 19, 2021 beginning at 5:30 p.m. with a Prayer Service at 7:00 p.m.  The Committal Service will be held at the Edmore Cemetery, Edmore, ND, on Friday, August 20, 2021 at 9:00 a.m.

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