Ralph Arnold Timmerman Jr. was born June 30, 1942, to Alice (Behrens) and Ralph Timmerman Sr.
At age three he tragically lost his mother. His father remarried to Alice Bonebrake a few years later. He developed polio at age seven and had been on an iron lung, a very young boy determined to live.
Ralph graduated from Huron High School in 1960. Many various jobs he took on, one surprisingly was breaking horses.
Ralph met and married the love of his life Connie Elaine Sinkie September 22, 1962, and in this marriage they raised three daughters; Rhonda Lea Brunsen Deadwood, SD, Carla Jo McGregor (Russ) Watertown, SD and Dawn Juli Peterson (Brad) Tescott, KS.
He had numerous jobs over the years, working for the dam in Fort Thompson, maintaining roads for Buffalo County and trading furs. His greatest prides were being a 4-H leader, a Farmer’s Union member and farming/ranching a farm he and his wife purchased with lots of blood, sweat and tears.
Ralph lost his right arm in a farm accident but taught himself to make do with one arm and accomplish chores that some have trouble with two. An amazingly strong will for life and a bit ornery at times, has made him who we all will remember and love dearly. His three children, eleven grandchildren, eleven great-grandchildren, family and friends gave him great joy.
On November 5, 2023, he was finally reunited back in the arms of his wonderful loving wife he has missed so deeply since August 2013.
The daughters of Ralph Timmerman are having a celebration of life for him Saturday, November 11, 2 p.m. at the Gann Valley Fire Hall. Ralph’s family asks that all memorials are directed to the local 4-H club in their community.
WethankGodforourfond memories we have of him to pass on for generations to come. Please send any memorials you wish to give in Ralph’s honor to your local 4-H Clubs.
