Ralph Gordon Nyhus, 83

Ralph Gordon Nyhus passed away April 11, 2020, with his son, David, beside him, in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. Ralph was born March 11, 1937, to Harry and Eveleth (Winger) Nyhus, in Bagley, Minn. He was raised and went to grade school in Debs, Minn. He went to high school in Bemidji, Minn. He left home at an early age, chasing his dreams. He served honorably in the U.S. Navy and served during the Cuban Missile Crisis, in 1962.

After he was honorably discharged, Ralph went to work in California, Montana and Alaska. He worked on the Alaska Pipeline during the oil boom years on the North Slope. He worked as a diesel mechanic and a crane operator. He married Norma Morris in 1969 and they divorced in 1992. They had two children, David and Stacey. He loved his children very much.

Ralph retired in Idaho. He had a passion for restoring old cars and had too many to count over the years. He also had a passion for telling stories about all the places he had been and all the people he met over the years.

Unfortunately, his health began to decline in 2016.

He is survived by his children, David Nyhus of Great Falls, Mont., and Stacey Nyhus of Great Falls; sister, Ardell Lewis (Jim) of Bemidji; four granddaughters; one grandson; three great-grandchildren; and companion of 23 years, Martha Lynn. He was preceded in death by his parents; infant sister, Adeline; and sister, Marilyn Lenes.

A private memorial service is planned at a later date at Pony Lake Trinity Church, Bemidji.