Ralph A. Vinje

Ralph A. Vinje, 67, Bismarck, died October 1, 2009, of complications stemming from a car accident two days prior. He was surrounded by his loving family at the time of his death. Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Monday at McCabe United Methodist Church, Bismarck, with Rev. Art Scanson officiating. Ralph Allen was born September 13, 1942, in Bismarck, N.D., the son of Dr. Ralph and Evangeline Kelley Vinje. He graduated from Bismarck High School in 1960. Ralph served with the U.S. Army in Vietnam, where he earned a Bronze Star. He married Bernetta Bernie Boser on August 9, 1974, in Grand Forks, N.D. Ralph graduated from the University of North Dakota School of Law in 1977, went on to pass the bar exam and moved to Bismarck, where he opened his law practice. Ralph, the ex-air traffic controller, ex-highway department draftsman, ex-bartender, ex-truck driver, ex-gas station attendant, was once told “you’ll never make it,” by a college counselor when he announced his intention at the age of “about 30” to pursue a law degree. “I decided to drop the counselor and go ahead on my own,” Ralph said. “It worked.” Ralph was a truthful man, and his word meant everything to him. He tried to deal fairly with everyone. He made countless contributions in the field of law and was commonly referred to as a crusader for justice. Ralph’s gentle demeanor was a trademark that could be seen in and out of court. He said, “There are things I prize very highly and one of them is my word. I value my family very highly and my friends very highly.” Ralph planned to be mostly retired in December. It is so unfortunate he got an early retirement date. Although Ralph was a member of numerous professional and service organizations, he preferred to think of himself as a rancher first and an attorney second. It was a common sight out on the family ranch to see him moving hay for the horses in his tractor, beer in hand, golden retriever riding shotgun. The ranch rituals of fixing fence, checking cattle, and hauling bales were relaxing for him. He loved being outdoors, whether fishing or riding horse with Bernie, hunting at the old farm with Justin and Tyler or friends, riding motorcycle on his Wednesday rides, or simply sitting on the porch petting his prized golden retrievers. Dogs were special friends to Ralph, especially Smokey, Rufus, Jake and Rugby. Ralph loved teasing his children when they were younger, tickling them until they managed to utter the magic words, “I hate it, I hate it, I hate it,” through the laughter. That was more difficult than it may seem. Ralph was proud of his children and the fine young adults they have become. Also special to him was a new daughter-in-law added to the family. Most people would have imagined him making his exit robbing a train atop a wild bronco in true outlaw fashion. It wasn’t meant to be. He would have appreciated all the love and support that has been directed towards his memory and his family. The corneas from Ralph’s twinkling blue eyes have been donated to the Lions Eye Bank. We can’t guarantee they will see things as Ralph did, but we hope so. He is survived by his beautiful wife, Bernie; loving and handsome sons, Justin married to Tiffany, and Tyler single, wink; his sister, Mary Steve Shenk; his brothers, Tom Laura Vinje, Steven Blanca Vinje, and Kent Vinje; and many nieces and nephews and more friends than anyone could keep track of. In lieu of flowers, the family prefers that memorials are given to the N.D. POW/MIA Memorial Fund or to N.D. Teen Challenge, 1406 2nd St. N.W., Mandan, N.D. 58554.

Ralph A. Vinje

September 13, 1942 - October 1, 2009