Ralph Hektner

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the death of Ralph Hektner, who passed into the arms of his Lord, on Friday, January 16, 2015, in Sanford Health, Fargo, ND. At his side were his wife and faithful companion of 66 years, Beryl, and family. He lived almost all of his adult life in Moorhead, MN.

Ralph William Hektner was born in Fargo on March 8, 1926, to Ann and Ralph Hektner Sr., the first of four children. He spent most of his early years in Bismarck, ND. After high school he attended Dunwoody Industrial Institute in Minneapolis, MN. In 1947 he completed his training and was ready to begin his life working as a mechanical engineer. He accepted his first job in Aberdeen, SD, where he met the girl of his dreams at the roller rink.

A short while after marrying his sweetheart, Beryl Goodspeed, on November 13, 1948, they moved to Fargo where he began working for Harold Bechtel. They were blessed with four children; Dawn, Randee, Gail and Neil. He worked for two other architectural firms in his career before retiring in 1987, at the age of 61. He had developed asthma at that time. Although his health was a trial at times and limiting, he enjoyed his retirement and always had many interests that he pursued. He was very active in his church where he found great joy and fulfillment. He thought of his retirement years as a great opportunity to do the Lord's work.

Ralph is survived by his wife, Beryl Hektner; daughters, Randee (DW) Frommer, Redmond, OR, and Gail (Bill) Fellers, Laguna Hills, CA; eleven grandchildren and fourteen great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Ann and Ralph Hektner; his siblings, Lynette Sweeney, Marlys Dockter and Dale Hektner; also his oldest daughter, Dawn Jonas; and youngest son, Neil Hektner.

Ralph never met someone who was a stranger. He was fun and funny, hardworking, and playful and a true family man. Most important to him in life were his wife, his God and his family. He has earned his reward but he will be missed. You would have liked him.