Ralph Aaland

Ralph Aaland, 82, died on March 26, 2009 in his sleep in Grants Pass, OR. Born and raised in Howard, South Dakota, he was a resident of Grants Pass for the last 8 years. Ralph spent much of his time here volunteering for the American Red Cross, Meals on Wheels and the Adult Literacy Program. He spent 16 years in the armed forces as a proud member of the United States Marine Corps. A former of resident of Orange County, California, Ralph was an officer of the American Legion Post 291 in Newport Beach. He was also a member of the Grant̢۪s Pass American Legion Post 0028. In his free time he enjoyed traveling, was a master of crossword puzzles and cherished time spent with his many children and grandchildren. He is survived by wife Pat Helsel, brother Hjalmer, sister Francis, his four children Sandra, Steve, Kristie and Craig, 8 grandchildren and four great grandchildren. Services will be held in Southern California at a later date.