Ralph Earl Cox Sr

Ralph Earl Cox Sr. age 81 of Menahga, MN died Monday, September 23, 2013 at St. Joseph Area Health Services in Park Rapids, MN. Ralph was born to Earl and Clara (Hanson) Cox on October 25, 1931 in Nortonville, ND. As a young boy Ralph moved to Hubbard, MN where he lived until he entered the Army at the age of 17, in 1949. He served in the Korean War until 1952. After Ralph arrived home he served in the National Guard until 1991. Ralph married the love of his life Dorothy Boyke on October 12, 1957. Dottie passed away in 1989. Ralph has also served on the Local Color Guard since 1952. He was the past Commander of the American Legion in Park Rapids and also the Commander and Life member of Guy L. McDermeit VFW Post #6206 of Menahga, MN. Ralph was a member of First English Lutheran Church Menahga, MN; he enjoyed fishing, hunting and played baseball for Hubbard, Menahga, and Park Rapids Armature Baseball Leagues. Ralph is survived by his special friend Ethel Tapio (ET) of Menahga; Ralph Cox Jr. and his wife Deb of Menahga; stepsons, Michael Fowler and his wife Laura of Hayward, WI; and Joseph Fowler and his wife Carol of Huston, TX; one sister Judy Trangsrud and her husband Rick of Jamestown, ND; four grandchildren, Justin Cox and Jennifer of Bemidji, MN; Jessica Patton and her husband Dustin of Bemidji; Scott Fowler of North Dakota and Brenda Dukek and her husband John of Fargo, ND; five great-grandchildren, Samantha, Willa, Jackson, Michael, and Kristin, sister-in-law Ardella Cox, other relatives and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Dottie, two brothers, John Cox and Robert Cox, and one sister, Arlene Ost. Visitation will be from 5-8 PM Thursday, September 26, 2013 at First English Lutheran Church Menahga, MN and one hour prior to the service. Memorial Services will be Friday, September 27, 2013 at 11:00 AM at First English Lutheran Church Menahga, MN with Pastor Steven A. Bruer officiating. Mary Hanninen will serve as organist. Honorary Pallbearers include all of his Grandchildren, Great Grandchildren, Step-sons, Michael Fowler and Joseph Fowler, Wednesday Morning Coffee Group, Menahga Lions and Menahga Color Guard. Military Honors will be provided by Guy L. McDermeit VFW Post #6206 of Menahga, MN. Inurnment will be at Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis, MN on Tuesday, October 1, 2013 at 11:00 AM Gate #2, Assembly Area 1. In lieu of Flowers memorials are preferred to the Veterans Memorial in Park Rapids, MN.