Deacon Ralph Stockert, 88, Dickinson, died Sunday, May 7, 2017 at St. Benedict’s Health Center, Dickinson. Ralph’s Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m., Thursday, May 11, 2017 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Dickinson, with the Most Reverend David D. Kagan Bishop of Bismarck as Celebrant and Fr. Keith Streifel as Con-Celebrant. Interment will follow at St. Wenceslaus Cemetery, Dickinson. Military Honors will be provided by Dickinson American Legion Post 3 Honor Guard. Visitation will be Wednesday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. at Ladbury Funeral Service with a St. Pius Verein and Knights of Columbus rosary and vigil at 7 p.m. with Deacon Al Schwindt , Deacon Dallas Carlson and Deacon Terry Quintus presiding.

Rapheal F. Stockert was born November 30, 1928 on a farm near Buffalo Springs. He was the 10th of 12 children born to John and Regina (Staudinger) Stockert. Ralph was baptized December 2, 1928 by Father Adolph Brandner at St. Hugh’s Catholic Church in Midway. He made his first communion, his confirmation and was a mass server at the same church.

Ralph attended rural country grade schools in Hettinger and Conner townships. In February 1951, Ralph was drafted into the United States Army. He left Dickinson by train to California with others for interviews and then on to Camp Steward, Ga. for basic training. Ralph then went to Fort Dix, N.J. for further training and was assigned to duty as an anti-aircraft artillery gun site (238AAA gun BN) in Philadelphia, Pa. Later he was promoted to motor sergeant as supervisor of his unit. He was honorably discharged in February 1953.

On November 24,1953 Ralph was united in marriage to the love of his life, Anna Marie Sitter, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Dickinson. Their daughter Wanda was born August 30, 1954. In September 1956, Ralph moved his family to Wahpeton where he attended NDSSS in the auto body program. After graduation, in 1958, they returned to Dickinson. Ralph worked for Semerad Implement, Decker Implement and Stark Motor Company. In August 1962, Ralph began his career at Sax Motor Company as a sales representative, retiring in 1989.

Ralph especially enjoyed spending time with family and friends. He enjoyed snowmobiling, bowling, playing cards, fishing and wood working. Ralph repaired and painted many statues including some at St. Joseph’s Church.

In September of 1981, Ralph began his studies in a three year deaconate formation program. He was ordained as a permanent Deacon by Bishop John F. Kinney on May 25, 1984 at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church, Dickinson. Ralph served as a Deacon at both St. Wenceslaus and St. Joseph’s Catholic Churches. Ralph was a great man of faith and served the people well.

He was a lifetime member of the Knights of Columbus 6308, earning the Knight of the year award in 1998. He is also a lifetime member of the Dickinson Eagles Club, St. Anthony Club and St. Pius Verein.

Deacon Ralph is survived by his wife, Anna Marie of 63 years; daughter, Wanda (Victor) Entzel, Beulah; granddaughter, Amber (Jay) Kuntz, Dickinson; great-granddaughter, Ellie Rose Kuntz; step-great-grandchildren, Lindsey Kuntz, Hunter Kuntz and Kyle Kuntz, Richardton; sister, Catherine Martin, Bismarck; brother, Anton (Agnes) Stockert, Glen Ullin.

Deacon Ralph was preceded in death by his parents; an infant son; brothers, Adam, John, Christ, George and Leo; sisters, Rose Urlacher, Francis Huck, Eva Faulhaber and Pauline Frank.