Ralph H. Dickenson

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Dickenson, Ralph H. "RHD", age 78 of Anoka. Ralph grew up in Anoka on the shores of the Mississippi river. He, along with Brother Bill and Sister Margie, helped their parents on their vegetable farm. He'd often ride in the parades with his family's antique cars and musical equipment, or on horseback as one of the founding members of Double Bit Riders Saddle Club. He was in the bus business, providing school bus service to Anoka, Hennepin, Elk River, Pine County and Sandstone. He then became known as the "Bus Jockey", purchasing, refurbishing, and reselling coaches all over the country. He and his team worked as a civilian contractor in Katy, Texas building wiring harnesses for Hummers during Desert Storm. He then fulfilled his dream as the inventor of the "Kingsley Coach". He loved going to Princeton Speed Way on Friday nights to watch his family race cars. He purchased a dairy farm in Henriette, MN where Ralph and Mary helped build the Henriette Methodist Church. Ralph enjoyed going to the Mora Sale Barn on Friday nights. He commuted to his office in Anoka with his airplane; leading to him and his friends to open Gateway North Airfield in Anoka; having airshows every summer including the Blue Angels, Canadian Snowbirds, and the Thunderbirds. He loved horses; from trail rides to game shows. He invented the "Hoof Nipper" and the "Electronic Cowboy". He loved his hamburger patty very plain, well done, with salt and butter and everyone knew it! He would have his morning meeting at Mary's Coffee Shop on highway 10, and later on main street Anoka; as well as the longhorn in Zimmerman and the Scenic in St Francis. Ralph loved his country/gospel music and had many concerts and sing-a-longs whenever he could. He never met a stranger, he invited everyone he met into his home and his life. He was fearless in business and hobbies. He was loved by many and will be missed by all. Preceded in death by son, Lance; grandson, Andrew; great-granddaughter Kaylee; parents, Roger and Minnie; brother, Bill. Survived by sister, Margie; wife of many years, Mary; children, Catherine Dickenson, JD (Maryetta), Matthew (Kim), Julianna (Vince) King, Annie Ross; 14 grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; brother-in-law Duke Carlson; nieces and nephews. Funeral service Tuesday July 24, 2018 at 11am at Thurston- Lindberg Funeral Home, 2005 Branch Ave, Anoka. Interment West Oak Grove Cemetery with lunch to follow at the St. Francis American Legion. Visitation Monday 5-9pm at the funeral home. Memorials preferred to the Elim Care and Rehabilitation Center, 701 1st St. Princeton MN 55371 in care of "Rum River Memory Care Neighborhood." Thurston-Lindberg Funeral Home Anoka 763-421-0220 thurston-lindberg.com

Published on July 22, 2018