Ralph L. Chandler, 98, Shelly, MN passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 21, 2022, at Viking Manor Nursing Home in Ulen, MN.
Ralph Linden Chandler was born on a farm in rural Caledonia, North Dakota on August 9, 1923. He was one of five sons of Arthur and Mary Chandler who also had one daughter. Ralph went to school in Caledonia through the eighth grade. He then worked on his family’s farm and other farms in the area. 
Ralph was drafted into the army where he proudly served in WWII. After an honorable discharge, Ralph returned to his home area where he met Charlotte Halvorson, a teacher at the Caledonia Public School.
Ralph and Charlotte were married on June 15, 1947, in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota. They made their home in rural Detroit Lakes where Ralph farmed with his father-in-law. From there they moved back to Caledonia for three years to farm, then to rural Shelly, Minnesota. They had four children over the years, two sons and two daughters. Ralph farmed in rural Shelly and owned Chandler Trucking, hauling cattle to West Fargo, North Dakota during the 60s and 70s. Ralph and Charlotte built a new home and moved into town in Shelly, in 1976. Ralph continued to farm until his retirement in 1985.
Ralph spent many hours fishing and enjoyed hunting. He loved a game of cards and usually won. On ice fishing trips, Ralph was always the first one up very early in the morning. He may have had a fish story or two to tell.
While living in Shelly, Ralph served on the volunteer fire department, and rescue squad and was a Fire Chief. He served on the Shelly Marsh River Lutheran Church council, the Shelly Farmer’s Co-Op Elevator, and Lumber board of directors. He also was a member of the Shelly VFW and was the oldest member of the Nielsville American Legion. For many years Ralph placed the flags honoring the Veterans in the Shelly Cemetery on Memorial Day.
In retirement, Ralph and Charlotte enjoyed wintering in Mesa, Arizona. In their later years, they moved into the Heritage House in Halstad, Minnesota.
In June of 2007, after 60 blessed years of marriage, Ralph lost the love of his life, Charlotte.
Ralph is survived by his children, Ralph Jr. (Deirdre) of Caledonia, ND, LeAnn Stueness of San Tan Valley, AZ, Dean (Darlene) of Fertile, MN, and Cheryl (Dean) Dormanen of Mesa, AZ; 12 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Charlotte; parents, Arthur and Mary; siblings, Adrian (Bud) (Elaine), Wayne (Audrey), Edwin (Gladys), LeRoy (Delores), and Mona Mae (Jack) Taylor; one daughter-in-law, Darla; one son-in-law, Vance; 2 nephews; and 2 nieces.
Memorials are preferred to the Shelly Cemetery Fund, PO Box 98, Shelly, MN, 56581.
Funeral Service: 11:00 AM, Thursday, July 28, 2022 at Shelly Marsh River Lutheran Church, Shelly, MN.
Visitation: 9:30 AM until the time of the service on Thursday, July 28, 2022 at the church.
Interment with full military rites: Shelly Cemetery, Shelly, MN.
Please view our guestbook and share condolences online at www.fredriksonfh.com
Arrangements with Fredrikson-Ganje Funeral Homes
Ada & Halstad, Minnesota
