Ralph Francis DeMarais was born on June 27, 1939 in Chatham Township, Minnesota the only son of Raymond and Elaine (Kretenbrink) DeMarais.
Ralph was baptized at St. Timothy Catholic Church in Maple Lake. He attended school and graduated from Maple Lake High School.
Ralph grew up on his parent’s farm where he spent most of his life. After becoming tired of farming, Ralph and two of his friends bought the Maple Inn Bar which they operated for around eight years. After that, he went to work at Hullberg’s Door and Windows. He worked there for eleven years until his back gave out. He then decided to take on school bus driving and he drove bus until he retired.
Ralph spent his last eight years at The Annandale Care Center where he passed away on Sunday, March 9, 2025.
He was preceded in death by his father Raymond and his mother Elaine DeMarais.
Survived by his cousins.
A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, March 19, 2025 at 10:30 AM at St. Timothy’s Catholic Church in Maple Lake. Visitation will take place one hour prior to services at the church. Father Kevin Magner will be the celebrant.
A spring burial is planned at St. Charles Cemetery.
The Peterson Chapel, Buffalo MN assisted the family with funeral arrangements. On-line condolences can be made at www.thepetersonchapel.com