Ralph Emil Beastrom

Ralph Beastrom, age 81, passed away peacefully at Methodist Hospital in Rochester on Thursday, March 7, 2024, after a difficult battle with cancer.

Ralph Emil Beastrom was born September 20, 1942, in Braham, Minn., to Benjamin and Maxine Beastrom. He graduated from North High School in Minneapolis, Minn., in 1960. He attended the University of Minnesota for a year, but claimed he was distracted by his high school sweetheart, Carol Johnson, and the two would be married in October 1963. 

Ralph and Carol moved to Rochester in 1965, when Ralph began working for IBM in Rochester. He finished his associate degree at night through the University of Minnesota and worked at IBM for 32 years as an electrical technician and then as an electrical engineer. After moving to Rochester and joining IBM, Ralph decided to upgrade his transportation and purchased a 1965 Corvette Stingray. However, the Corvette was not very practical for a growing family, so he gave it up, and Ralph and Carol welcomed three children, Tim, Sharyl and Craig into the family. During this time, Ralph also served in the Naval Air Reserve for nearly 10 years. As the kids were growing up, Ralph spent his time driving to soccer games and tournaments, serving as a troop leader for the Boy Scouts and spending time with his family on long camping and driving trips throughout the United States in the summers.

After retiring from IBM, Ralph and Carol purchased Selvig House, a bed and breakfast, in Harmony, Minn., which they owned and operated for nearly 20 years. During this time, they also operated Skandinavien Blomma, a gift store in both Harmony and Lanesboro, Minn. While living in Harmony, Ralph was active in the Lions Club and the Harmony Area Historical Society, along with the local bike trail and cross country ski trail groups. Ralph was an avid biker and cross country skier, and Ralph and Carol spent as much time as they could with good friends and with their nine grandchildren in Minnesota, Wisconsin and Wyoming.

Ralph will be greatly missed by Carol, his wife of 61 years, as well as his children, Tim Beastrom (and Elizabeth), Sharyl Bergen (and Daryl) and Craig Beastrom, along with their families, including his beloved grandkids. Ralph is also survived by his sister Beverly Hill, and brother Donald Beastrom. He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Delores and his brother Ronald.

A gathering of friends and family and memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Sunday, April 7, 2024, at Greenfield Lutheran Church in Harmony, Minn. In lieu of flowers or memorials, please consider a donation in Ralph’s name to the Harmony Area Historical Society, P.O. Box 291, Harmony, Minn. 55939, harmonymnhistory.org or the Harmony Cancer Support Group, c/o Ann Mraz, 260 4th Ave SE, Harmony Minn. 55939. 

Those who knew Ralph best will miss his steady nature, good humor and commitment to doing the right thing. Rest in peace after a life well lived.