Ralph Jerome Folven was born in Watford City, N.D. to Robert and Ann (Rebsom) Folven on May 22, 1947. He was educated in Watford City and graduated in 1967. In 1968, Ralph enlisted in the United States Navy and was proud to have served his country aboard the USS Kennebec during the Viet Nam War. After his discharge, he continued serving his country in the National Guard. He also worked for several seismograph companies in North Dakota.
In 1970, Ralph was united in marriage to Karen Gravos in Watford City, N.D. To this marriage, they had three children, Jeremy, Jody and Sara. The marriage later ended in divorce.
Ralph followed in his father’s footsteps by working at McKenzie Electric as a Journeyman Lineman, a career he passed on to his son Jeremy. Later in his life, Ralph moved to Sidney, MT where he was employed at Sidney Sugars until his retirement. He was known as “Sarge” to his many friends. Ralph loved the outdoors, hunting and fishing and passed this on to his son Jeremy.
Ralph died on Saturday, January 28, 2017, at the Sidney Health Center, Sidney, MT.
Ralph is survived by: his children Jeremy Folven, New Town, N.D., daughters Jody (Arlon) Franz, Watford City, N.D., and Sara (Jaymie) Romo Sidney, MT; grandchildren Kayla Folven Morgan and Macee Franz, Watford City, N.D., Dyson, Brooklyn and Lauryn Romo, Sidney, MT; sisters Cherleen (Dean) England and Roberta (Steve) Hendricks; and aunt, Shirley Matson all of Watford City, N.D.
Preceding him in death was: his parents, Robert and Ann Folven; an infant son; niece Sandy Froshaug and cousin Doug Matson.