Ralph P. Nistler, 88, St. Cloud

July 9, 1928 - August 19, 2016

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00AM Monday, August 22, 2016 at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church, St. Cloud for Ralph P. Nistler who died Friday at the Good Shepherd Lutheran Home in Sauk Rapids. Rev. Thomas Knoblach will officiate and entombment will be at Assumption Cemetery in St. Cloud. Friends and family may call from 4-8PM Sunday and from 9-10:30AM Monday at Williams Dingmann Family Funeral Home, St. Cloud. St. Anthony’s Parish Prayers will be at 5PM Sunday at the funeral home in St. Cloud.

Ralph was born in Eden Valley to Bernard and Anna (Braun) Nistler. He grew up and attended Eden Valley High School. He was introduced to Marie Theis by each of their siblings and they went on their first date to a barn dance. They married on August 24, 1950 at St. Nicholas Catholic Church in St. Nicholas, MN. Ralph was a factory worker and was employed at Franklin for over 42 years until his retirement. He was a member of the Machinist Union Local #623 and a member of St. Anthony’s Church for over 57 years. Faith and family were most important to him. Ralph enjoyed his family. He spent time camping, playing cards, square dancing. He was a very patient man, a great example of his patience was the time he spent teaching his children to water ski. He was a great example to his children and taught them the difference between right and wrong. Some of the statements his family remember him saying are; “work before play”, “do something, do it right”, and “start something, finish it”. He was fun loving and very dedicated to his family. He will be missed by all who knew him.

Ralph is survived by his loving wife of nearly 66 years, Marie of St. Cloud; children, Lyla (Steve) Christman of Sartell, Eileen (Steve) Johnson of East Gull Lake, Syl (Lea) of Auburn, CA, Lois of Duluth, Debra (Mark) Gorecki of Brainerd, Brenda (Roger) Rosenberger of Clearwater, Steve (Patty) of Eagan; 13 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and 1 great-great grandson; brother, George (Annabelle) Nistler of Woodbury.

He was preceded in death by his parents; siblings and their spouses, Mary (Al) Theisen, Adeline (Edwin) Theis, Bernard, Ed (Cindy), Ray (Barb).

Memorials are preferred in lieu of flowers.