Ralph McNamara

Ralph Michael McNamara, 99, passed away on Tuesday, July 2, 2024, at Evergreen Place Assisted Living in Pine Island surrounded by family. 

Ralph was born on February 21, 1925, and one of ten children of Ray and Leona McNamara. Ralph attended Goodhue school. In 2001, he received an honorary diploma from Goodhue High School. Ralph served in the US Army and was a WWII veteran. On June 1, 1950, Ralph and Jeanelle Reding were married at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Red Wing. They lived on their dairy farm in Belle Creek Township in rural Goodhue for most of their lives until moving to Zumbrota in 1989, and Ralph remained active on the home farm into his early nineties. In 2018, Ralph moved to Evergreen Place Assisted Living. 

He enjoyed family gatherings, striking up a conversation with anyone he met, dancing, polka music especially Mollie B, jigsaw puzzles, checkers, traveling with many trips to Arizona and Branson, watching his grandchildren sporting events, MN Twins, Irish heritage, IH (red) tractors, and farming. He was an avid Euchre card player; he was always ready for a card game and taught many family members and friends the game. 

Survivors include his 8 children, Barb Hinck, Jerry (Linda) McNamara, Don (Carmen) McNamara, Dorothy (Bob) Riedel, Joanne (Steve) Carter, Karen (Joe) Richardson, Dave (Rose) McNamara, and Rich McNamara; 17 grandchildren; 19 great grandchildren; siblings Florence Ryan, Rosamond (Ken) Reding and Ray (Marlys) McNamara. 

He was preceded in death by his wife Jeanelle, in 1997; grandson, Derek McNamara, great grandson, Cullen Hinck; son-in-law, Delmar Hinck and daughter-in-law, Brenda White; siblings Agnes Mulhern, Francis McNamara, Cecil McNamara, Joseph McNamara, Marie Lexvold and Charles McNamara, and many sisters- and brothers-in-law. 

 Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 am on Monday, July 8, 2024, at St. Columbkill Catholic Church in rural Goodhue.  Burial will be in the church cemetery.  Visitation will be at Mahn Family Funeral Home, Larson Chapel in Zumbrota from 4-7 pm on Sunday, July 7, 2024 and one hour prior to mass at the church. 

Special thank you to Moments Hospice and Evergreen Assisted Living for their kindness and care.