Ralph Taylor Jr

Ralph William Taylor, Jr., 95, of Crosslake, formerly of Crookston, MN, passed away peacefully on October 11, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. A memorial service will be held for Ralph at 11 AM on Friday, October 17, 2025, at Crosslake Lutheran Church, with lunch to follow. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service.

Ralph was born on November 28, 1929, to Ralph William Sr. and Oma (Shafer) Taylor, on a farm north of Olivia, MN. He served in the Minnesota National Guard from 1946–1948, the U.S. Navy aboard the USS Saipan from 1948–1950, and later at the U.S. Naval Air Station in Whiting Field, FL, from 1951–1953, before returning to the Minnesota National Guard through 1955.

In 1955, Ralph married the love of his life, Carole Godfredsen, and together they shared 66 years of marriage filled with laughter, adventure, and deep love. Ralph graduated from the University of Minnesota in 1957 with a degree in Animal Husbandry and began his career as a county agent for Meeker County in Litchfield, MN. In 1961, the young family moved to Crookston, where Ralph began working for California Chemical before joining Dahlgren & Company in 1962. Over the next three decades, he poured his energy and leadership into the company, eventually serving as President from 1974 until his retirement in 1992. He was deeply respected for his work ethic, integrity, and devotion to the people he worked alongside.

When Ralph and Carole retired to their beloved lake home in Crosslake — a home they proudly built with the help of family and friends — life shifted from boardrooms to campfires and family gatherings. Ralph was an adventurer at heart, always thinking about where he was going next, and in retirement, that spirit blossomed. He and Carole spent many joyful winters in Kerrville, TX, and countless summers hosting family at the lake. Their family road trips were legendary — from skiing out West to fishing trips to Sioux Narrows — journeys filled with laughter, stories, and cherished memories. In later years, they discovered their cowboy side, spending many wonderful seasons trail riding with friends and their horses out West, savoring the beauty of open skies and good company.

Ralph loved deeply and lived fully. He was loyal, funny, and generous — a man of faith who found joy in life’s simple blessings: a good story, a hearty laugh, a sunrise over the lake. At every family gathering, he made time for personal connection — a hug, a hand squeeze, or a one-on-one conversation that left you feeling truly seen. His quick wit, countless sayings, and perfectly timed quips kept everyone smiling.

He was the steady anchor of his family, an eager listener and trusted advisor, always cheering on his children and grandchildren in every new adventure. His family will forever treasure memories of epic road trips (that always started an hour before “o-dark-thirty”), hearty campfire breakfasts, and the way he found humor and gratitude in every season of life.

Ralph is survived by his children, Todd (Cheri) Taylor of Chico, CA; Tami (Jim) Nelson of Elk River, MN; Becky (Ron) Nelson of Crosslake, MN; and Bart (Lisa) Taylor of Crosslake, MN; grandchildren, Amanda Taylor, Kirsten Taylor, Ian Nelson, Ross (Naomi) Nelson, Reed (Krista) Nelson, Hannah Taylor, and Millie Taylor; great-grandchildren, Rivers, Selah, and Jade Nelson, with another arriving in November; siblings, Dennis (LaVonne) Taylor and Jerome (Phyllis) Taylor; sisters-in-law, Beverly Taylor and Joy Haller; and brother-in-law, Howard Peterson.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved wife, Carole; his father- and mother-in-law, Hjalmer and Mildred Godfredsen; and siblings, Bob Taylor, Kathryn Shaw, Donald Taylor, and Eva Taylor.

Ralph lived with laughter, faith, and boundless love. He leaves behind a legacy of devotion, adventure, and family — a life well-lived and well-loved.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to Whitefish at the Lakes staff, Crosslake Lutheran Church, and St. Croix Hospice for their compassionate care, kindness, and support in Ralph’s final days.

Ralph's service will be livestreamed through Crosslake Lutheran Church and can be accessed through the following link:

Ralph's Livestream

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Options Inc., supporting disabled adults and his grandson, Ian Nelson. https://www.givemn.org/donate/Optionsinc