Ralph Wiebusch obituary

Ralph Rudolph Wiebusch, 78, of Zumbro Falls, died on Sunday, Sept. 6, 2020, at home surrounded by family.
Ralph was born in Zumbro Falls on Nov. 11, 1941, to Raymond and Mildred (Clare) Wiebusch. He attended schools in Zumbro Falls and Lake City. Ralph served in the Army Reserves and in his earlier years worked at the Oak Center Creamery, Schmauss Plumbing and Heating in Lake City, and Roberson Plumbing in Zumbro Falls.
On May 13, 1967 he married Carol Peterson, and they lived briefly in Lake City before returning to Zumbro Falls. They later divorced. Ralph farmed for several years and then began trucking in 1976, hauling hay and straw, until selling his business in 2007. He married Wanda Clark on March 13, 1993. Ralph was a kind and gentle man, always with a story to share. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and gardening including planting a Christmas Tree farm and pumpkin patch that provided joy to many over the years. He was a gifted woodworker and has given many keepsake treasures. Ralph’s passion was windmills. He loved hunting for windmills, taking them down, and restoring them. He placed over 30 restored windmills on his property next to his home, and installed restored windmills at the Minnesota Zoo and the Minnesota Historical Society for all to enjoy. Ralph enjoyed the journey, and in spite of the many challenges life handed him he continued to do what he loved, installing his last windmill just weeks before his death.
 He is survived by his wife Wanda; children, Cindy (Matt) Rice of Golden Valley, Minn., Brock Wiebusch of Kalispell, Mont.; step-children, David (Kari) Clark of Amery, Wis., Michelle Olson of Amery Wis., and Raquel (Eric) Mead of Knife River, Minn.; eight grandchildren, Dane, Megan, Samantha, Jordan, Brendan, Elsa, Signe, and Danika; three great-grandchildren, Kevin, Isabella, and Lincoln; and nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings.
A graveside service will be 11 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2020, at Trinity Lutheran Church Lincoln  Cemetery.  Visitation will from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Monday, Sept. 14, 2020, at the Mahn Family Funeral Home, Anderson-Peterson Chapel in Lake City.  Masks and social distancing are required.  A celebration of Ralph’s life will be held at a later date.   Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.mahnfamilyfuneralhome.com