Ralph Holm, 82, of Dell Rapids, SD formerly of Selma, CA, passed away unexpectedly Friday, February 19, 2021 at Avera Dells Hospital in Dell Rapids. A funeral service will be 10:30 AM Friday, February 26, 2021 at First Baptist Church in Emery, SD. Burial will be at Emery Community Cemetery. Visitation will be one hour prior to the funeral service at the Church. The family requests masks are worn at the funeral services. Arrangements by Bittner Funeral Chapel.
A live-stream of the funeral service may be viewed at: http://www.fbcemery.org/
Ralph Donald Holm was born on June 3, 1938 to Hilmer and Olga Holm on the family farm near Scotland, SD. They eventually moved to a farm outside of Spencer, SD where Ralph received his education. On November 25, 1962 he married Joanne Terveen at St. Paul's Presbyterian Church in Emery, SD.
In 1965, they left their farm and headed out West to Ojai, California, with their oldest son Todd. During this time, Ralph began work on a dairy farm, eventually moving into the milk processing plant for the same dairy. He would deliver milk up to 2 1/2 hours away. While in Ojai, Ricky joined their family, making it complete. Ralph also received his pilot license. He enjoyed taking his family up in the airplane. Ralph soon bought his own dairy delivery business, delivering to schools, grocery stores, restaurants, and resorts. Todd and Ricky enjoyed opportunities to ride along with their dad, being sure to have endless amounts of treats.
In 1972, Ralph bought a farm near Selma, California where he farmed many different crops including alfalfa, hay, corn, grapes, fruit trees, and black-eyed peas. He also started another business pumping out dairy lagoons for 29 years and operating three trucks. Ralph did not take the time to rest much and always seemed to find more work to be done.
In 2016, Ralph and Joanne made their way back to South Dakota, making a home in Dell Rapids. This provided them the opportunity to be closer to their grandchildren, in which they were involved with. They could be found sitting in the stands or sidelines rooting them on for whichever sport they were in. After Joanne passed, Ralph continued to attend as many activities as he could. Ralph was also able to make a new community of friendships while in Dell Rapids, which he cherished deeply.
He will always be remembered for making a friend wherever he was, as he was never short on conversation. He also had a quick wit about himself. He sure enjoyed making people laugh.
Ralph is survived by his son, Todd; daughter-in-law, Shannon Holm; grandchildren, Skylar, Taryn, and Ryker; sisters, Connie Zelmerand, Betty Stahl; sister-in-law, Lavonne Hall; brother-in-law, Jim (Sandra) Terveen; and numerous nephews, nieces, and a whole network of friends.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Joanne in October of 2018; son, Ricky in July of 1972; parents; father and mother-in-law, Harvey and Louise Terveen; brothers-in-law, Danial Zelmer, Sam Stahl, Dennis Terveen, Bob Terveen; and nephew Craig Stahl.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred.
