Ralph Erhard Haasser

Ralph Haasser, age 86 of Long Prairie, passed away on June 17, 2026, at his home due to recent health complications.
A celebration of life is being planned for fall 2026.
Ralph Erhard Haasser lived for 86 years and was the beloved husband to Jan. Together they shared 44 wonderful years of marriage and raised two daughters, Susan and Kelly.
Ralph Erhard Haasser was born to Edmund and Marie (Siegle) on April 22, 1940, in Long Prairie Township; the sixth in a family of eight. He attended St. Mary’s School and graduated from Long Prairie High School in 1958. During high school, he lettered in baseball, basketball and football. Following graduation, he coached the St. Mary’s basketball team for several years.
In 1958, Ralph honorably served his country in the United States Army, where he trained as a helicopter mechanic. He loved his country and was always willing to engage in a spirited political debate. After returning to Long Prairie, he enjoyed playing softball, which was gaining popularity at the time. He first played with the K.C. Team and later with Hart’s Press, a team that advanced to the State playoffs for several years.
Ralph began farming with his brothers Lester, Joseph and Tony, and then later farmed alongside Tony for more than 50 years. On September 10, 1982, he married his beloved wife Jan Neumann and became a loving father to Susan and Kelly.
Ralph and Jan enjoyed traveling out west, to Hawaii, Alaska and many trips to the casinos in the area. He especially enjoyed attending and cheering his grandchildren at their sporting events, as well as hunting and fishing with them. Ralph also took pride in teaching his grandchildren how to drive and helping them complete the hours required for their drivers’ licenses. Through the years, he delighted his nieces, nephews and grandchildren with tractor rides and entertaining games of Ghost in the Graveyard and 10 Steps. There was always laughter when he was near.
Known for his sense of humor, Ralph loved playing pranks on his siblings, children, grandchildren and his wife. There was never an awkward silence when Ralph was around; he could fill the room with a funny story or one of his signature animal sounds. Making people laugh brought him great joy.
Ralph enjoyed hunting and fishing into his 80’s, including numerous elk hunting trips out West. He also enjoyed working part time at Long Prairie Packing as a Security Guard for several years. Ralph retired from farming in 2020 and sold the family farm in 2022 so he could enjoy life in the small town of Long Prairie with his wife Jan.
Ralph is survived by his loving wife Jan Haasser, Susan (Jason) Larsen of Long Prairie, Kelly (Robby) Thrun of Nome, Alaska; his sisters Joan Haasser of Long Prairie, Claire Primus of Sauk Centre and Elaine Hasselbring of St. Cloud; his brothers Lester (Gloria) Haasser of Alexandria, and Tony (Sandy) Haasser of Long Prairie. He is also survived by five grandchildren Chance (Ellie) Thrun, Colten (Ashleigh) Thrun and Cirsten Thrun of Nome, Alaska and Jackson and Reagan Larsen of Long Prairie, and two great-grandchildren Charlie and Paisley Thrun of Nome, Alaska.
He was preceded in death by his mother Marie Haasser; his brothers Hillary (Larry) Haasser and his wife Helen and Joseph Haasser; and his brothers in-law Roman Primus and Norbert Hasselbring.
Ralph was a loving husband, devoted father, proud grandfather and great grandfather, and a cherished brother, uncle and friend. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.