Ralph Emerson Bolstad

Ralph E. Bolstad was born on October 24, 1937 in Minot, North Dakota to Ernest and Lillian (Hestekind) Bolstad. He attended school in Norwich, North Dakota and graduated from Oak Grove Lutheran in High School in Fargo, North Dakota in1955. While in high school, Ralph was a part of the Norwich basketball team as well as a member of the Oak Grove High School track team.

In 1956, Ralph joined the military. He served in the North Dakota National Guard and subsequently spent four years in the U.S. Air Force ending his service at the Amarillo Air Force Base in Amarillo, Texas. He was honorably discharged in 1960. While in Amarillo, he was united in marriage to Judy Field on September 18, 1959.

In 1961, Ralph joined the Amarillo,Texas Police Department. In 1963, he was hired by REA, a railway company. While working nights at REA, he attended West Texas State University, graduating with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration. Upon graduation, he was employed by Shell Oil Company in Houston, Texas. At Shell Oil, he worked in transportation and logistics for 30 years. Upon retirement, Judy and Ralph settled in Bellville, TX.

Ralph was very active in church work, serving as an adult Bible class teacher for over 25 years. He also worked in ministry supporting and praying for those in need even up to his last year.

He was also an avid golfer. After moving to Bellville, he played golf everyday except Sunday. He always walked and carried his golf bag. According to Ralph, “My golf was not great, but the walk was terrific.”

He is survived by his son, Marlon (Penny) Bolstad and granddaughters Shannon (Andrew) Albin and Carsen Jo (Heath) Rozell; his daughter Stacie (Lieb) Johnson and grandchildren Stephen (April) Johnson, Sarah (Peter) Ferris, Caleb (Liz) Johnson, Elijah (EllieAhna) Johnson, Olivia Johnson and 14 great grandchildren. His sisters are Jan Aken of Camas, WA and Nita Howell of Dayton, OH, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

He passed away on October 25, 2026 in Plano, TX. He was preceded in death by his parents and his beloved wife, Judy (Field) Bolstad. He will be sorely missed by all who had the privilege to know him. A memorial service will be held on November 22, 2026, at 2 pm at Cornerstone Baptist Church in Wylie, Texas. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Wylie Community Christian Care Center in Wylie, Texas. https://wyliechristiancare.org/