Ralph values family above all else, and he can draw on the grit, determination, and diligence he learned in his upbringing to instill and influence perseverance and tenacity in his family. He and his wife, Shari, have been married for 48 years and share two children – daughter, Tobi, and son, Jade, as well as daughter-in-law, Bryna, and grandchildren, Waycie and Rye. His son, Jade, works alongside his father to manage the operational aspects of the cattle ranch and carry on the family legacy of hard work and dedication to western South Dakota.

Ralph is an active member of Shriners International – which ensures children get the care and medical treatment they need. A strong advocate for the organization, he has connected countless children to the program, ultimately bettering their quality of life. Ralph has become a Master Mason who is dedicated to providing Masonic Rites at funerals.

In 1982 Ralph did a ten-day 425-mile horseback ride from Lemmon to Sioux Falls for the American Cancer Society “Ride for Life” raisings funds for cancer research.