Doug Ralston

Doug passed away peacefully at The Pillars in Mankato on January 7, 2024 at the age of 91.

Doug was born in Cherokee, Iowa on July 9,1932 to Edmund and Grace (Hunter) Ralston.  He played football and basketball in high school and also got in many rounds of golf with his father.  He met his wife, Jane Schroeder, at Wayne State College in Wayne, Nebraska.  They were married on December 5, 1953 in her home town of Albion, Nebraska.  Doug served in the Army, where he taught artillery, at Camp Chaffee near Fort Smith, Arkansas.  

Doug taught Biochemistry at Minnesota State University Mankato for over 30 years. He also served as president of the Higher Education Division of the National Education Association.

Upon retirement in 1996, Doug and Jane moved to Sun City Grand in Surprise, Arizona. During their 22 years there, Doug taught computer and iPad classes at the Activities Center. He also enjoyed many rounds of golf with his buddies.  Their summers were spent with family at their Gull Lake home near Brainerd.

The last few years Doug and Jane have lived at The Pillars in Mankato where they have many lifelong friends and teacher friends from Minnesota State Mankato and District 77.  Doug and Jane celebrated their 70th Wedding Anniversary in early December 2023.

Doug was preceded in death by his parents; sister, June Letsche; and brother, Randall Ralston.  

He is survived by his wife, Jane; as well as two daughters, Ann Reichert (Randy) and Kim Bertram (Mike); four grandchildren, Sam Bertram (Annie), Ray Myers (Jamie), Bill Reichert (Brittney), and Dan Reichert (Bri); as well as 9 great-grandchildren.  Doug is also survived by his sister, Alice Nelson; nieces, Linnea Castillo (Al), Karen Nelson Putt (Vince), April Ralston, Yvonne Ralston; nephews, Chris Schroeder (Rachel) and Bruce Nelson (Staci). 

Memorials should be directed to Christ the King Lutheran Church of Mankato or Minnesota State Mankato, Chemistry Department.

Memorial Service will be held on February 2, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at Christ the King Lutheran Church.  Private family burial will be at Calvary Cemetery.  Mankato Mortuary is assisting the family with arrangements. 

The live stream link below is a complimentary service provided by

Northview – North Mankato Mortuary.

Unforeseen technical, internet, facility, and/or acoustical circumstances may produce a diminished end product. Please note, if the live stream does not appear, we are attempting to record and publish the service for later viewing.