BOZEMAN, MT. — Ralph Henry Lindemeier, 77, known to many of those who loved him as “Papa Ralph”, passed away at his home in Bozeman, MT, on March 8, 2010. His gentle, loving spirit will be deeply missed by all those who were fortunate enough to have known him.

He was born in Carver County, MN on June 15, 1932 to Ernst and Anna Lindemeier.  He grew up on the family farm in Norwood, MN and later took over the farming operation when his father passed away. Ralph married Marlene Ohm on October 23, 1954. Together, they had two daughters Kim Manser and Pam Amundson.

Early in his career, Ralph worked as a foreman for Hallet Construction Company throughout the Midwest and eventually settled just outside St. Peter, MN. Ralph spent many years of his life building a successful trucking business. Lindemeier Trucking specialized in hauling milk from many dairy farms scattered throughout South Central MN to Bongard’s Creamery. Ralph was meticulous with his trucks and was a highly skilled mechanic.

In 1979, Ralph met Gloria Duffus and they married on Aug 17, 1991. Ralph accepted Gloria’s family as his own and became a very special “Dad” to Gloria’s children, Scott Duffus and Ronda Russell.

Upon their retirement, Ralph and Gloria bought a motor coach and traveled throughout the United States for over 10 wonderful years. Having been a trucker at heart, driving the motor coach was a dream come true for Ralph. He and Gloria saw numerous sights and had many incredible adventures as they traveled to all corners of our nation. Their family members always loved meeting the “bus” at various vacation spots around the country.

After being diagnosed with a serious illness, Ralph and Gloria decided to settle in Bozeman, MT, where they have spent the past 10 years. Thanks to Gloria’s loving care, Ralph was able to experience life to his maximum potential during his last years. Ralph was especially fond of camping and exploring Montana with his kids and grandkids. He also enjoyed taking “walks” with the help of his motorized scooter through his Sundance Springs neighborhood and on the nearby trails, playing cribbage games with family and friends, and watching sports and car races on TV. Most recently, he enjoyed the therapeutic water program at Eagle Mount. In his last years, he received wonderful care from some special people who quickly became very dear to him. His positive attitude and amazing ability to see the beauty in each day was an inspiration to all.

Ralph was preceded in death by his parents Ernst and Anna Lindemeier and brother Roger Lindemeier.

Ralph is survived by his wife Gloria; children Kim Manser, Pam (Mark) Amundson, Scott (Kathy) Duffus and Ronda (Jim) Russell; grandchildren Carter and McKenna Amundson, Ben, Linnea and Kaia Duffus and Magdalena and John (JJ) Russell; brother Rollie (Diane) Lindemeier; sisters Betty Velzke and Maxine (Darryl) Demm; sister-in-law Fern Lindemeier and many cousins, nieces and nephews.

A memorial service, with lunch to follow, will be held at Zion Lutheran Church at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 20 (14735 County Road 153, Cologne MN 55322). Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service.

If so desired, memorials may be sent to to Bozeman Deaconess Palliative Care Department, 1600 Ellis St, Bozeman, MT 59715 or Hope Lutheran Church, 2152 W Graf, Bozeman, MT 59718.

Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.dahlcares.com