John Ralph Edwards

John Ralph Edwards, of Rochester, passed away July 17, 2026. His wife, Marquita, preceded him in death on July 25, 2022. He is survived by his son Grant

(Minneapolis, MN), son Phillip & his wife Peggy (Rochester, MN), daughter Lynn & her husband Christopher Brown (Oak Park, IL), four grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, beloved nieces and nephews, loving in-laws, and a host of long-time friends.

Ralph, as he chose to be called, was born in Humeston, Iowa, the son of Norval and Ocie Edwards and little brother to Marge. He graduated from Humeston High School at the age of 16 and went on to Iowa State University. Before graduating, he chose to serve his country in the Air Force stationed in Alabama and then Maine. When asked what his time in the Air Force entailed, he said, "I tested the grenades. I pulled the pin, and if it didn't go off, I wrote dud on it." His sense of humor and hearty laugh were unique.

Near the end of his time in service, Ralph's childhood friend, Glenys Richard, introduced him to her nursing classmate, Marquita Buxton.

He earned his Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering in the spring of 1957, and on August 24 that year, Ralph and Marquita were married. Ralph worked at Honeywell in Minneapolis for a bit, before returning to Ames to collect his Electrical Engineering Master's degree and take a position as instructor in the EE department. He really loved teaching, and his passion for science/technology definitely trickled down to his children and many others.

Ralph and Marquita started their family in 1960. Together they raised three children via fun road trips, summer days fishing, playing catch, games with family and friends, family reunions, and through many moves: From Iowa, to Florida, to Pennsylvania, and finally to Rochester, Minnesota.

Always willing to bait your hook and unhook your fish, Ralph loved fishing, but not fish. He would catch them and clean them for others to enjoy.

Loving husband, fun dad and uncle, silly grandpa (and great-grandpa), Ralph will be remembered dearly and missed greatly.

A celebration of life will take place in the near future. If you are interested in event details, please send a note to celebratejralphe@gmai.com.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the local food shelf, humane society, or nature center/conservation organization of your choice.

Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Edwards family.