Ralph Sonsalla, 56, of Bowman, ND, passed away on Thursday, November 24, 2011 at his home surrounded by his loving family after a courageous battle with cancer.

Mass of Christian Burial for Ralph will be he held on Monday, November 28, 2011 at 10:30 a.m. at the St. Charles Catholic Church in Bowman. There will be a Scripture Service on Sunday, November 27, 2011 beginning at 7:00 p.m. at the St. Charles Catholic Church. Fr. David Morman will officiate the Mass with burial to follow in the Riverside Cemetery in Marmarth, ND.

Ralph Joseph Sonsalla was born in Bowman, ND February 20, 1955 to Joe and Opal Sonsalla, the youngest of five children. He grew up on the family ranch west of Marmarth, ND and attended schools in Marmarth and Baker, MT. After graduating from high school, he started working for the Milwaukee Railroad until 1975, and then he worked for Noble Drilling and Western Oil Companies. In January of 1978 he began his career with Luff Exploration, where he worked until the time of his death.
Ralph married the love of his life, Sherrie Deviney, on June 7, 1974 at St. John's in Baker, MT. To this union, they added their sons, Trenton and Derrik. Ralph instilled his love of nature and the thrill of "The Hunt," in his sons. He loved the great outdoors, and looked forward to all of the seasonal changes, and all of the hunting and fishing that came with it.
Ralph was a great mentor, and started a youth bowling league and he ended up with many of his young people going on to State and National Finals. He took many of the neighboring young people and taught them the fundamentals of hunting and fishing. He took great pride in his sons and counted them as his best friends. Ralph always saw the best in people and he never asked anyone to do something he would never do himself. He was a kind and gentle man that will be truly missed.
Ralph leaves his loving wife and best friend, Sherrie, of the family home in Bowman; his son Trenton and daughter-in-law Kay Lynn of Lemmon, SD; his son Derrik of Parshall, ND; and four grandchildren: Troy, Emily, Jimal and Rosie, all of Lemmon, SD. He also leaves behind his brothers, Eugene and Fran Sonsalla of Baker, MT; Wayne and Melva Sonsalla of Marmarth, ND; and David Sonsalla of Bay City, MI; a sister, Kae and LeRoy Hanson of Bowman, ND; an uncle, Andrew and Margie Sonsalla of Marmarth, ND; his "bonus family" and numerous nieces, a nephew, and cousins are also left behind to mourn. He leaves behind his two most loyal and best hunting companions, Gunnie Girl and Cedar Bug, his much loved golden retrievers.
He received the diagnosis of Stage IV Lung Cancer on February 8, 2011, and fought a long, courageous battle against this ravaging disease. Our warrior's battle came to an end on Thanksgiving night, November 24, 2011 at his home, surrounded by his loving family and close friends. Mass of Christian Burial for Ralph will be he held on Monday, November 28, 2011 at 10:30 a.m. at the St. Charles Catholic Church in Bowman. There will be a Scripture Service on Sunday, November 27, 2011 beginning at 7:00 p.m. at the St. Charles Catholic Church. Fr. David Morman will officiate the Mass with burial to follow in the Riverside Cemetery in Marmarth, ND.
We have lived the last nine months with the knowledge that "You Learn from Yesterday, Live for Today, and Hope for Tomorrow . . ."


Krebsbach and Kusleth Funeral Home of Bowman.