Ralph George Charlton, 83, Rochester, MN, formerly of Kenyon, MN, passed away on Wednesday, April 10, 2024, in Mayo Clinic Hospital - St. Mary's Campus.
Ralph was born on November 30, 1940 in Cherry Grove Township, Goodhue County, Kenyon, MN where he grew up on the family farm. His parents were Frank & Joyce (Cornwell) Charlton.
He walked two miles to and from the rural Fairpoint School. He then attended the West Concord Schools in West Concord, MN graduating from the West Concord High School with the class of 1958. Following high school, Ralph served in the Army Reserves out of Faribault, MN.
On November 30, 1962, he was united in marriage to Beverly Blouin in Waterville, MN. A daughter Kimberlie was born on June 15, 1971. Ralph worked i various jobs, some of which included; The Baby Buggy Factory in Owatonna, MN, Wenger Corporation in Owatonna, and Dairy Farmers of America in Zumbrota, MN. But, he was a farmer at heart and he and his wife Beverly took over the Charlton Family Farm when his father and mother retired. Ralph and his family moved to the farm from Medford, MN. The farm was dedicated as a Century Farm and Ralph was the 4th generation.
In his free time, he enjoyed spending time with his family. He loved tinkering and fixing things. Ralph and Beverly sold the farm in the fall of 2021, and moved to Rochester.
Ralph is survived by his daughter, Kimberlie Charlton of Rochester; by his brother, Leon (Joanne) Charlton of Rochester; by his sister-in-laws, Marjorie (Marge) Charlton of Medford, Mary Ann Charlton of Faribault, MN, Vicki Charlton of Naperville, IL; and nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Joyce; wife Beverly in December of 2021; and his brothers, Richard, Melvin, and Blaine.
Ralph was a very quiet and caring man. He will be missed by all the people that knew him.
Memorials can be sent to Kimberlie at 510 3rd Ave. SE, Apt 222, Rochester, MN 55904
