Ralph Hagberg Obituary

Kenyon - Ralph Hagberg passed away peacefully at home on July 16, 2025, in Kenyon. He was born on August 23, 1934, at the Swedish Hospital in Minneapolis, MN, and grew up on a dairy farm in Buffalo Lake, MN.

Ralph was preceded in death by his parents, Adrid and Clara Hagberg; his brothers, Stan (Yvonne) Hagberg and Dale Hagberg; and his sister, Avis (Dick) Walter. He is survived by his wife, Ruby and his children, Rozlynn (Larry) Schack, Rahn (Carol) Hagberg, Rona (Tony) Holcomb; also by his grandchildren, Alyssa, Alec, Anna, Jade, Francesca, Carson and Livia; and a brother, Arild (Betty) Hagberg.

From an early age sports were Ralph's passion. His mom wanted him to take piano lessons, but at the first session he ran out the back door to play baseball. He excelled at football, basketball and baseball where his talent was so evident that coaches from St. Olaf College came to recruit him directly from the cornfield where he was working. He attended St. Olaf College in Northfield, MN and received a degree in physical education, health with a minor in biology in 1956. He was a three-sport letter winner. He later received his master's degree in education from Mankato State University. He taught one year at Gaylord High School and then he was drafted in the Army for two years at Fort Riley and Fort Leavenworth in Kansas. He was selected to play on the baseball and softball teams. During his Army years, he and Ruby Clark from Hector, MN were married.

In 1958, he was invited to be one of the 1,958 sports champions to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Minnesota's statehood. He moved to Kenyon, MN in 1959 where he was a teacher and coach for 22 years. His football team compiled 112 victories. They won or shared the league championship on 6 different occasions. Even though Kenyon was the smallest school in the conference, Ralph often said his athletes' dedication and 110% effort made his job a joy. His tenure was cut short at age 45 due to a stroke and had to retire. He continued as a volunteer coach helping out in many ways in the athletic department. He later enjoyed attending all his grandchildren's sporting events.

Ralph's legacy was recognized through numerous honors: he was inducted into the Minnesota Football Coaches Hall of Fame in 1986, the Minnesota Athletic Directors Hall of Fame in 2002, and named an honorary outstate "All-Star Football Coach." He was also an inaugural member of the Kenyon-Wanamingo Hall of Fame.

A Visitation will be held at the Michaelson Funeral Home in Kenyon on Friday, August 8th from 4:30-7pm. The Memorial Service will be on August 9th at First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Kenyon at 12 noon with lunch to follow. Please visit www.michaelsonfuneral.com to leave an online condolence for Ralph's family. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Ralph's memory may be made to the Kenyon-Wanamingo School Athletic Department.