Obituary of RALPH MUNKHOLM FREDERIKSEN

Peacefully, and with family by his side, we announce the passing of Ralph Frederiksen on January 28^th, 2024, at St. Boniface hospital at the age of 92.

Ralph was predeceased by his parents, Elna and Holger and his brother Kurt (Eleanor).

He is survived by his wife Magdelena, his 4 sons and 3 daughters, as well as 15 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren. He also leaves behind his sister Ruth in Edmonton as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Ralph was born in St. Boniface and spent his early years on the family farm in the Danish community of Ostenfeld.  The family then moved to Dugald (Meadowvale) when he was 3 years old.  Eventually, he took over the family farm and raised beef cattle and shipped cream for many years.  After the farm was sold, our parents moved to Devonshire House in Transcona where he resided until his recent passing.

With weathered hands and a connection rooted in the soil, he tended to the land through seasons of abundance and scarcity.  He leaves behind a legacy of hard work, a connection to the roots of rural life and an understanding of the cyclical nature of farm work as he laboured through the prairie seasons.

Being a first generation Canadian, Dad was proud of his Danish heritage, and he felt that connection as he faithfully attended church services at Ostenfeld Lutheran Church for many decades.  Later he continued that connection to rural life when he began attending church at Anola Fellowship Chapel.  On any given day, he could be found in the pasture lands tending to the herd, mending fences, or harvesting wood for the winter.

In keeping with our parents’ wishes, cremation has taken place and a private celebration of life with family will take place at a later date, this summer.

The family deeply appreciates the outpouring of support from so many and we would like to extend our deepest gratitude to staff at St. Boniface for Dad’s end of life care. As well, many thanks to Devonshire II House and Homecare staff.

In lieu of flowers and if you so desire donations can be made to: MCC (Mennonite Central Committee) Grow Hope program or a charity of your choosing.

Peace be with you, Dad.

What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us – Ralph Waldo Emerson