Ralph D. Dodd

Ralph D. Dodd, 89, Rapid City died Tuesday, March 22, 2011 at Fountain Springs Healthcare. Born near Cascade, Fall River County, South Dakota on June 24, 1922, Ralph Donald was the fourth of ten children of Clyde Clarence and Hilda Bertha Dodd (Merwin). Ralph grew up on his Dad’s farm, near Maverik Junction. His early years were spent working in the fields, milking cows, selling chickens and fruit, and hauling water – all those things you had to do in the hard times of the 30’s. He enjoyed talking about the “Home Place” and took us there on picnics when we were young. A World War II veteran, Ralph walked through France, Germany and Hungary and Austria. He was a life member of the VFW, proud of his service to his country. Ralph worked construction after the war, starting at Angostura, and worked in Wyoming, and other areas of South Dakota. Mary Elizabeth Britton and Ralph met at the country dances around Hot Springs and they married 22 October 1948, they traveled together, living in their trailer until settling in Rapid City in 1952. Dad built a home for his family adding on to it as needed and lived in this home until February of this year. Ralph and Mary always enjoyed their family gatherings at Christmas Eve, the extended family picnics in June at “birthday” times and on the Fourth of July. Ralph was preceded in death by his wife, (Mary), one son, six brothers, two sisters, and 3 great grand children. His remaining family includes one daughter (Marion Groethe – Rapid City), five sons (Donald – New Hampshire, Harold – Hill City, Gerald – Rapid City, Thomes – Kentucky, and David – Rapid City), one sister, Evelyn Adam- Sioux Falls, 27 grand children and numerous great and great-great grandchildren.