Ralph James Rogness, 92, of Owatonna, Minn., died Mon., Dec. 9, 2019, at Birchwood Cottages. He was born July 19, 1927, in Emmons the son of Judine and Nina (Flaten) Rogness.

Ralph graduated from Emmons High School in 1945. He served in the U.S. Army from Oct. 1945 to Jan. 1947. He then attended Waldorf College and graduated from Luther College with his teaching degree.

Ralph married Alice (Struxness) Rogness ‘51 on Aug. 18, 1951.

He started his teaching career before returning to school at Colorado Teachers College to obtain his master's degree. Ralph taught in Mindoro, Wis., and Elmore, Minn., prior to moving to Owatonna in 1960. During his teaching career he enjoyed being a realtor part time. He worked for Town and Country Real Estate and later Gillespie Real Estate.

At age 55, Ralph took early retirement and began working full time in real estate. Ralph was preceded in death by his wife, Alice (Struxness) Rogness ‘51, in 2000. On Aug. 29, 2003, Ralph married Elaine Emmons. He retired from real estate in 2004.

Ralph enjoyed wintering in Arizona. He loved music, golf and socializing with friends and family. He was an avid Minnesota Twins and Minnesota Vikings fan. Ralph was a member of The 50's Club, Elk's Club, Sons of Norway and served as the manager of the Roger Tenney Chorale. He was an active member of Trinity Lutheran Church where he enjoyed singing in the choir.

He is survived by his wife, Elaine Rogness, of Owatonna; children, Scott Rogness ‘77 of Rochester, Kristin (and Bernard Blee) Rogness of Kasson, Jason Rogness of Nashville, Lori (and Jim Corace) Emmons of Ft. Meyers, Fla., Marc (and Jennifer) Emmons of Owatonna; grandchildren, Laynie Rogness, Angeleigh (and John Bluhm) Herber, Nicole Herber, Alyssa Blee, Alanna Blee, Cassandra Emmons; great grandchildren, Trenton Bjerke, Avery Bluhm; brothers, Charles (and Helen) Rogness of Sun City, Ariz., Gary (and Charlotte) Rogness of Hager City, Wis.; sister-in-law, Maxine Rogness of Albert Lea and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Alice Rogness; daughter-in-law, Cindy Rogness; brother, Dean Rogness and an infant sister. Funeral services were held Sat., Dec. 14, 2019, at Trinity Lutheran Church with The Reverend Amanda Floy officiating. Interment was in the St. John Cemetery in Owatonna.