Ralph Kyllo, 91, Hayfield

Ralph Thomas Kyllo, age 91, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Friday, Nov. 14, 2025, at St Mary’s Hospital, Rochester, from a stroke. 

He is survived by his wife, Wilma of 71 years; three daughters, Kathy (Randy) Demmer, Lisa (Douglas) Gerhart, Sarah (Jed) Becher; two sons, Daniel (Jennifer) Kyllo and Richard (Rachel) Kyllo; and twin brother, Raymond Kyllo. He is also survived by 14 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Thea Kyllo; two sisters, Ruth (Kyllo) Sire and Nordis (Kyllo) Munnikheyzen; three brothers, Sanford Edgar, Maurice Edgar, and Phillip Kyllo. 

Ralph was born March 10, 1934, on a farm in rural Hayfield. He grew up on the family farm and graduated from Hayfield High School, where he excelled in football, basketball and track and field. In 2015, he was inducted into the Hayfield Athletic Hall of Fame. After graduation, he worked as a linesman for the rural electric company. He married his high school sweetheart Wilma on Aug. 28, 1954 at West St Olaf Lutheran Church, Hayfield. Shortly thereafter, he enlisted in the Army and was stationed on Staten Island, N.Y., as a surveillance radio operator. After serving two years, he was honorably discharged and returned to Hayfield with Wilma and their newborn, Kathy. In 1961, they moved to the farm homesteaded by his grandfather Peter Kyllo’s family, just across the road from the farm he was born and grew up, now farmed by his twin brother Raymond. He and Wilma together farmed the land while raising their five children until retiring from farming in his early eighties. In addition to farming, which was his passion, Ralph worked for IBM for over 30 years as a machinist.

Ralph was active in his community. He served on the Hayfield Area School Board for more than 20 years as chairman. He believed that a good education was key to success and strived to improve and provide educational opportunities for Hayfield students.  He also was a longtime member of the American Legion Rothie Post #330.

Ralph had a strong faith and was a longtime member of West St Olaf Lutheran Church. He served in many leadership roles at West St Olaf, including president and church council. He sang in the choir, ushered, taught Sunday School and volunteered for many committees. Ralph enjoyed singing and was widely known for his deep baritone voice; he sang for many weddings and funerals in the Hayfield area. He also was a member of the Rochester Male Chorus for several years. He was very proud of his Norwegian heritage and traveled to Norway with Wilma to visit the land of his ancestors. He looked forward to West St Olaf’s annual Norwegian smorgasbord.

A couple of Ralph’s little-known accomplishments were: 1972 Hayfield Centennial Beard Contest Grand Champion, Ralph and his twin brother Raymond were featured farmers in November 27, 2009, edition of “The Land” magazine. 

He loved and supported his family and was much loved in return. He will be greatly missed.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025, at West St. Olaf Lutheran Church, 70640 260th Ave in Hayfield, with Pastor Paul Thompson officiating.  Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 21, 2025, at Czaplewski Family Funeral Homes, 501 2nd St NW in Hayfield, and one hour prior to his service at the church.  Interment will be in West St. Olaf Lutheran Church cemetery with military honors provided by the Hayfield American Legion Post 330.

To share a special memory or condolence please visit czaplewskifuneralhomes.com, Czaplewski Family Funeral Homes, 501 2nd Street NW, Hayfield, Minn., 507-477-2259. Blessed be his memory.