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.
A funeral service for Ralph will be held at 11 AM on Friday, October 17,
2025, at Crosslake Lutheran Church, with a visitation the hour prior to the
service.