Ralph Lynn, 83, of Elkton, died Tuesday, March 20, 2018, at his home under hospice care.  

Funeral services are at 11 a.m. Saturday at United Parish of Elkton with burial in the Elkton City Cemetery. Visitation is from 5 - 7 p.m. Friday at the church. 

Ralph William Lynn was born to William and Mabel (Passig) Lynn on July 4, 1934, on a farm in Pipestone County, Minnesota.  His family moved to a farm between Lake Benton and Verdi, Minnesota, where he attended and graduated from Verdi High School.  After graduation, he worked at a gas station in Lake Benton until his marriage to Donna Miller on Oct. 17, 1953.  They moved to a farm north of Elkton,  where he continued to farm with his wife’s parents, Clarence and Ada Miller, for several years.  Ralph and Donna operated a dairy farm until 1984, when they moved into Elkton to their current home. Prior to the move, Ralph started his semi-driving career hauling for local farmers.  He went on to haul loads throughout the USA and Canada.  Throughout his driving years, Donna would often accompany him on his trucking travels. Together they visited all states except Alaska.

One of Ralph’s favorite hobbies was his passion for flying. He was the owner of two different planes, a Cessna 130 Taildragger and a Piper PA-22 Tri-Pacer, and he had his own private runway on the farm known as the Lynn Runway.  He was also an active member of the local Civil Air Patrol. Another favorite hobby was attending all school activities that his kids to his grandchildren to his great grandchildren were involved – from concerts to sporting events throughout the school area.  And he really, really enjoyed being an involved spectator.  Shaking for coffee in downtown Elkton was also a favorite event Ralph enjoyed.  Ralph and Donna would have celebrated 65 years of marriage this fall. 

Ralph is survived by his wife, Donna; six children, Kristi (Larry) Thielen of Elkton, Dale (Chris) Lynn of Kenmore, Washington, Kevin (Cathy) Lynn of Elkton, Karen (Michael) Stoltenburg of Elkton, Melissa (Rob) Dixon of New Bern, North Carolina, and David (Ann) Lynn of Newton, Iowa; 27 grandchildren; 33 great grandchildren; two great-great grandchildren; three brothers, Wayne (Dona) Lynn of St. Peter, Minnesota, Dale (Maxine) Lynn of Elkton, and his twin, Royal (Donna) Lynn of Lake Benton, Minnesota; two sisters, Carol (Dale) Broughten of Mankato, Minnesota, and Lucille Odam of La Vista, California.  

Ralph was preceded in death by two sons, Douglas (at age 3) and Tori Lynn; and two sisters, Lois David and Wilda Rydell.

For online condolences, visit www.skrochfc.com.