Ralph John Woestehoff

Ralph John Woestehoff, age 85 of Blakely Township, died peacefully Monday, September 22, 2025, at Oak Terrace Senior Living in Le Sueur. A funeral service for Ralph will be held on Monday, September 29, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Henderson. Visitation will start at 9:00 a.m. at the church. Interment will be in the Redeemer Lutheran Cemetery.

Ralph was born on May 31, 1940, to Paul and Pauline Woestehoff (Krentz) on their family farm. He was baptized and confirmed at Redeemer Lutheran Church. He remained a devoted member of the congregation as his faith was a cornerstone of his life.

He grew up in Blakeley Township and began his education in a one-room schoolhouse, Keystone School, District 40 in Blakeley Township. He graduated from Belle Plaine High School in 1958.

A lifelong farmer, Ralph found joy in the rhythm of the seasons, the hum of the tractor, and the quiet strength of the land. His days began before the sunrise and often ended with a quiet walk up from the barn – usually with a loyal dog trotting beside him. He resided on the family farmstead for 82 years until he moved to Oak Terrace Senior Living in 2022.

Ralph had an appreciation for the simple pleasures. He enjoyed time out on the snowmobile trails, casting a line, floating the river, or tracking through the woods during hunting season. He had a competitive streak and a knack for games – whether it was pitching horseshoes, rolling strikes, or playing cards with friends and family.

Ralph lived a life deeply rooted in family, guided by faith, and enriched by the friendships he cultivated along the way.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Pauline Woestehoff; sister and brother-in-law, Eldora and Earl Schmidt; sister and brother-in-law, Marilyn and William P. Kroells; brother, Arnold Woestehoff; nephew and niece-in-law, Gary and Nella Schmidt; nephew, Kevin Kroells; and nephew-in-law, Richard Heckmann.

He is survived by his sister-in-law, Irma Woestehoff; his nieces and nephews, Karen (Roger) Kamps, Linda (Greg) Schwichtenberg, Joyce Heckmann (special friend Donnie Heuer), Jean (Bill) Gahl, William P. Kroells Jr., Glenn (Heidi) Schmidt, Jim Kroells, Mark (Marva) Kroells, Sandi (Kevin) Wolpern, Paul (Lisa) Woestehoff, Kristi (Tony) Juaire, and a large extended family.