His funeral will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at Ruestman-Harris Funeral Home, Minonk. The Rev. Ivy Silas will officiate. Visitation will be from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service Saturday at the funeral home. Burial will be in Rutland Cemetery with military honors.

Ralph was born Oct. 5, 1916, at Dana, a son of Fred and Mabel Nelson Hakes. He married Catherine M. Knudsen on June 12, 1960, in Dana. She died March 7, 2005.

He is survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by two brothers, Harry Nelson and Glenn; and a sister, Evelyn.

Ralph was a member of Dana United Methodist Church and a former member of Tall Oaks Country Club, Toluca. He was a lifetime farmer in the Dana area. He served with the U.S. Army during World War II.

After his retirement, Ralph enjoyed visiting and spending time with his friends at the Gold Dust Diner in Dana.

Memorial contributions in his honor may be directed to the Dana United Methodist Church.

Ruestman-Harris Funeral Home, Minonk, is handling arrangements.

Online condolences may be sent to his family at www.ruestmanharrisfuneralhome.com.