Obituary: Ralph Duursma, Jr.

Ralph Duursma, Jr.

Ralph Duursma, Jr., of Carrington, N.D., passed away on Thursday, February 2, 2023, after a three-year battle with cancer, with family by his side.

His visitation was Saturday, February 11, from 1:00-2:00 p.m., at Evans Funeral Home, Carrington, N.D.

His funeral service was held Saturday, February 11 at 2:00 p.m., at Evans Funeral Home, Carrington, N.D.. with Rev. Michael Woods officiating. His burial will be at the Carrington Cemetery at a later date.

Pallbearers were all of Ralph's nieces and nephews.

Ralph was born May 18, 1937, to Ralph and Nellie (Wobbema) Duursma in Carrington, N.D. He married the love of his life Irene (Gillig) Duursma on June 22, 1957, in New Rockford, N.D.

They moved to Brookings, S.D., for a couple years before returning back to Carrington, N.D. Once they returned to Carrington, Ralph was drafted into the US Army from 1960-1962. He was stationed in Fort Davens, Massachusetts and Alaska.

After the Army, they made their homes in and around the Carrington area. Ralph was employed at Schultz Lumber for 34 years. He also worked at Robertson Lumber until they closed. He had his own construction company for several years.

Ralph enjoyed the outdoors, camping, fishing, hunting, and beer. He also enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, shooting pool and bowling. Most of all, he enjoyed spending the last 66 years with the love of his life, Irene. He also had a very special nephew, Cory, who he and Irene raised from a young age.

He is and will be deeply missed by his wife, Irene of Carrington; special nephew, Cory (Kyu) Morlock of Edinburg, Texas; two brothers, Hank Duursma of Forman, N.D., and Tom (Viv) Duursma of Bismarck, N.D.; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph, Sr., and Nellie (Wobbema) Duursma; sister, Dorothy (Duursma) Pretzer and nephews, David and Rick Pretzer.

Arrangements by Evans Funeral Home, Carrington and New Rockford, N.D.