Ralph Des Lauriers, age 76 of Tracy, formerly of Marshall, passed away Wednesday, June 24, 2015 at the Golden Living Center in Slayton from complications of diabetes and renal disease. Memorial services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, June 29, 2015 at the Tracy Area Funeral Home, with visitation one hour prior to the service. Burial will be held at a later date. Online condolences may be sent at www.stephensfuneralservice.com. Stephens Funeral Service – Tracy Area Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Ralph Edward Des Lauriers was born August 6, 1938 in Morris, Minnesota to Joseph Peter and Pearl Louisa (Pitts) Des Lauriers. He was baptized and confirmed in the Catholic faith. He attended country school near Morris. Ralph served his country in the National Guard from 1954-1956, and then transferred to the US Navy where he was assigned to the USS Holder. He received his honorable discharge in 1958. On February 27, 1960, Ralph married Joan Marie Paul. Together the couple made their home in Marshall until 1962, then in Washington State until 1964. Ralph and Joan returned to Marshall until 1979. From 1980 until 1995, they lived in several different states, going wherever Ralph’s job took them. In 1995, Ralph retired to Tracy. He had many different endeavors in his lifetime, including raising rabbits and Arabian show horses, building a hang glider (and testing it out) and a cedar canoe, woodworking and carving. He enjoyed playing cards, horseshoes, bowling and golfing. Ralph loved cooking, hunting, fishing, traveling, and was always willing to try something new. He always had a smile for everyone. His greatest enjoyment was spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren.

Ralph is survived by his wife, Joan; children: Natalie Ankrum (Ray Hay) of Tracy, Terri Morton of Inver Grove Heights, Rita (Marty) Javens of Cottonwood; grandchildren: Crystal (Craig) Georg, Sarah Deem, Eric Ankrum, Tim Morton, Josh Morton, Sasha Javens, Jeremya (Justine) Des Lauriers, Zach Des Lauriers; step-grandchildren: Jer, Damian, Samantha, and Marty “Scooter” Javens; great-grandchildren: Ever Deem, Jaxson Des Lauriers, Jennavieve Des Lauriers; sister Mary (Dick) Moudry of Milroy; mother-in-law Edith Paul of Tracy; and many nieces and nephews, other relatives and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, son Curtis Des Lauriers, grandsons Jesse and Hunter Javens, siblings: Francis, Wilfred, Victor, Vincent, Mildred; and father-in-law Woodrow Paul.