Ralph Taylor, Jr., age 81, of New Prague, died Monday, December 14, 2015, at Mala Strana Rehabilitation Center in New Prague, MN. Ralph was born September 3, 1934 in Bellingham, WA to Ralph L. Taylor, Sr. and his wife, Catherine Morgan. He graduated from Belllingham High School in 1952 and went on to receive a BS degree from Western Washington State College in 1956, and ROTC graduate as honorable Lieutenant. His first tour of duty was from 1956 to 1960 and then he continued academic studies from 1960-61. Ralph attained the rank of Major on November 1, 1961 and was then deployed on his second tour of duty which ended when he was wounded earning him a Purple Heart and a period of rehabilitation. On February 8, 1964 he married Kathryn E. Suel at the Marine Corps Base, in Camp Pendleton, CA. His third tour of duty also ended with a Purple Heart.
Ralph and Kathy were stationed in Oregon when their son, Jim, was born. Shortly after Ralph was stationed at camp Lejeune and they lived in Cherry Pt., NC from 1970 to 1975. They moved to New Prague, MN in the fall of 1975. Ralph served as the Veterans Service Officer at Le Center, MN for Le Sueur County for 23 years afater his retirement from the U.S. Marine Corps on June 30, 1976.
Besides being an avid fisherman, Ralph enjoyed watching football and movies, reading books, bird watching and observving animals in nature. His political interests leaned to the Republican Party of which he was a member. Always active in Veterans affairs, Ralph helped out where he could and enjoyed visiting, sharing stories and jokes, and putting smiles on peoples’ faces. He enjoyed spending time with family and his grandchildren.
Ralph is survived by his son, Jim (& wife Stephanie); three grandchildren, Jacob, Rebekah, & Sarah; sister-in-law, Nonnie Taylor. He is preceded in death by his wife, Kathryn Taylor on February 10, 2006; parents; brother, Ray Taylor; sister, Margaret Mary Baker.
Visitation will be held Monday, December 21, 2015 from 9 – 11 AM and service at 11 AM at Bruzek Funeral Home in New Prague with Father Kevin Clinton officiating. Burial is at St. Wenceslaus Cemetery with full military honors being conducted by the New Prague Veterans Honor Guard.
