Ralph Herman Oehlke

Ralph H Oehlke, 98, Enderlin, ND died on November 5, 2020 at Maryhill Manor in Enderlin.  Ralph was born on January 6, 1922 in Enderlin, ND, the son of Fred G. and Margaret (Smith) Oehlke. Ralph graduated from Enderlin and was attending Concordia College when his National Guard Unit was activated.

  He was a proud member of the 164th Army Division which was comprised of ND National Guard units. They were sent to Guadalcanal to strengthen the 1st Marines.  The 164th or America l Division was the first Army unit to take an offensive action against the enemy in WW II. The 164th spent over 600 days in contact with the enemy and were involved in five south Pacific campaigns. Ralph received the purple heart, Bronze Star (Oak Leaf Cluster) and a 2nd lieutenant’s commission.

  Ralph returned to the home farm and married local  rural school teacher Pearl Johnson on December 27, 1945. They were married for 66 years.  They moved to their Sheyenne River farm in the 1970s and Enderlin in 2009.  Ralph and Pearl were never far apart during their marriage. Ralph volunteered many hours with area youth organizations and was active in the Enderlin VFW.   Ralph and Pearl valued time spent with their grandchildren teaching them many activities and life  lessons.

  Ralph is survived by his two sons John (Doreen) Oehlke and Paul (Charlene) Oehlke, six grandchildren 16 great grandchildren and 2 great great grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by his parents, an infant daughter, Ann Louise, sister Lucille Tysland and brother Lynn Oehlke and Fred and Margaret Oehlke. Memorials may be made to an Enderlin charity of your choice in lieu of flowers.

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