Dr. Ralph Lowell Hossfeld

Hossfeld Dr. Ralph Lowell Hossfeld of Minnetonka, MN slipped peacefully into the arms of rest on January 31, 2003 at the age of 88. Professor Emeritus of the University of Minnesota. President, Hossfeld Manufacturing Co, Winona, MN. Born August 10, 1914 in Oakesdale, WA to Max Hossfeld of Stockton, MN and Essie Vernona Fisher of Mt. Hope, WA. Moved to Coeur d'Alene, ID when his father became freight and passenger agent for the Inland Empire Railroad, later the Great Northern. Lived an idyllic boyhood in the upstairs of the depot. Made friends with the engineers and the town blacksmith, played clarinet in the high school band, wandered the mountains of northern Idaho, and learned a love of chemistry in the local library. Attended the University of Idaho in Moscow, receiving a BS in Chemical Engineering in 1937 and an MS in Wood Chemistry with a Minor in Bacteriology in 1939. Returned to his roots in Minnesota in 1939 to attend the University of Minnesota where he received a PhD in Agricultural Biochemistry with a Minor in Organic Chemistry in 1942. In 1946, became a Professor of Wood Chemistry in the University's School of Forestry, Forest Products department, where he remained for 34 years as an inspiration to students and faculty, retiring as Professor Emeritus in 1980. Spent his retirement no less active pursuing glass making, pottery and ironwork in his studio and in his later years, mastering the computer. Continued to read scientific journals and pursue his quest for knowledge to the end. Survived by his beloved wife of 60 years and fellow chemist, Dr. Mildred Malm Hossfeld of Minnetonka; devoted children, Lawrence Malm Hossfeld of Minnetonka, Leslie Malm Blessing and husband Terry Blessing of St. Louis Park, MN, and Anne Malm Hossfeld of Minnetonka; and grandchildren, Melissa Blessing-Watchman and husband Kee Watchman of Kykotsomovi, AZ, Andrew Blessing and fiancee Whitney Guyer of Minneapolis, MN, Julia Blessing of Minneapolis; and William, Emily and Florence Blessing of St. Louis Park - they will dearly miss their Grandpa. Fondly known by staff and friends at Hillcrest Rehabilitation & Health Care Center as "Professor."Our father leaves an unfillable hole in our lives, but we remain blessed by his wisdom, kindness, gentleness and nobility. "Here whole at last, above the halting flights Wing of the soul repose, serene."Anne Morrow Lindbergh. Private interment at Lakewood Cemetery. Twin Cities Cremation (612) 866-6711

Published on February 9, 2003