- Date Of Birth: July 15, 1928
- Date Of Death: December 11, 2013
- State: Michigan
Ralph E. Thorp Jr. age 85 of Deephaven, MN passed away peacefully Wednesday Dec 11th after suffering a stroke in April. Ralph loved growing up in South Minneapolis. He was active in student government and various sports. He excelled at playing the trumpet in high school and his love of music lasted through his life. He also earned and was awarded the Eagle Scout Badge. He was the 1947 senior class President for South High School in Minneapolis. After high school he enlisted in the US Army and was stationed in Heidelberg, Germany in the occupation forces. He traveled in Germany playing with the US Army band. Ralph received the GI bill, attended the University of Minnesota, and played in the Gopher Marching Band. He was a member of the Beta Theta Pi fraternity and remained an active alumnus. Ralph graduated with a Music degree from University of Minnesota and after college became the Music Director for New Richmond, WI high school. After marrying Nancy in 1955, he began working for Lutheran Brotherhood Insurance. Ralph was promoted to General Agent in York PA, then General Agent in Madison Wisconsin for 18 years. While in Madison he was a founding member in 1978 of the Norwegian heritage mens club, Torske Klubben.
Ralph and Nancy returned to Minnesota in 1982 and Ralph continued working with Lutheran Brotherhood until his retirement. Ralph was a member of the Minneapolis Torske Klubben, and was on the Alumni Board for South High School for many years. He enjoyed playing trumpet in the Synod Senior Band until his stroke.
Ralph had a love of the outdoors especially skiing and fishing. He enjoyed going up north to fish and enjoy the outdoors at various family cabins.
Close Thorp Family members include his wife, of 58 years, Nancy Thorp; sons, Steven (Terry) & David (Cheryl); and 4 granddaughters, Annie, Claire, Mae, and Ava. Brothers, Gary (Patty) and Jim (Ruth Ann); nephews, Jeff and Scott; nieces, Dana and Heidi.
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