Ralph Edward Knospe

Ralph E. Knospe Jan. 10, 1932-May 5, 2012 ALMA, Wis. — Ralph E. Knospe, 80, of Alma, passed away peacefully May 5. Ralph was born Jan. 10, 1932, to Edward and Elsie (Mann) Knospe. He lived in Alma most of his life. He graduated from Alma High School in 1950. He served in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War. On Sept. 5, 1953, he married Dolores (Balow) Knospe of Wabasha. To their marriage, two daughters were born. He became a master plumber and electrician. Ralph and Dolores owned and operated Knospe Hardware until retirement. Ralph is survived by his wife, Dolores; daughters, Barbara Stutesman of Winona and Jacqueline (Randy) Anderson of Alma; nine grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren; niece, Jean Dunn; and many cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Delores (Knospe) Dunn; and brother-in-law, Joseph Dunn. A memorial gathering will be held from noon until the 1:30 p.m. memorial prayer service Friday, May 11, at Talbot Family Funeral Home, Alma Chapel. A burial with military honors will follow the service at the Buffalo City Cemetery. Memorials to either the family or charitable donations in Ralph’s memory may be sent to the Hope Lodge 411 2nd ST NW, Rochester, MN 55901.