Ralph Harold Hjembo's Obituary
Ralph Harold Hjembo was born on June 27, 1935, and passed away peacefully on March 14, 2026, at the age of 90.
He was born and raised in Staten Island by his parents, Harold and Theoline. During his childhood he especially enjoyed spending time with his father building model airplanes. Ralph attended Port Richmond High School before continuing his education at Barrington College in Providence, Rhode Island. He played the cornet and sang in a quartet. After his third year, he married his college sweetheart, Gloria Craver, on August 18, 1956, in Niagara Falls, New York. Together they built a life serving the Lord.
Ralph felt a calling to ministry early in his life. He began his pastoral career in 1961 and was ordained in 1962. Over the next forty years, Ralph faithfully served as a pastor, dedicating his life to preaching, supporting congregations, and helping churches grow and thrive.
Ralph and Gloria served in many communities throughout the country during their years in ministry. Their first churches were in Duluth, Minnesota, and Superior, Wisconsin. From there, their ministry led them to Bergenfield, New Jersey; Rochester, Minnesota; Tempe, Arizona; Tacoma, Washington; Buda, Texas; and finally Billings, Montana. In each place they served, Ralph became known as a caring pastor, a gifted preacher, and someone who genuinely loved people. He had a special talent for storytelling, and his sermons often came to life through the stories he shared. Those who listened to him preach remember not only his wisdom, but also his warmth and sincerity. Ralph retired from ministry in 2001 after forty years of faithful service. Even after retirement, his passion for people and for sharing stories continued to be part of who he was.
Outside of ministry, Ralph enjoyed many hobbies that brought him joy. He loved fishing, woodworking, and camping with his family, creating memories that would last for generations.
Family meant everything to Ralph. He and Gloria raised three children together. Their oldest was Carolyn, who married Mark. They had one son, David. Their second child was Phillip, who married Patrice. They had two daughters, Shelby and Ally. Shelby later had two children, Carter and Cameron. Their third is Paul, who is married to Simone. They have four children, Alxys, Scott, Kevon, and Stephan. Alxys has a son named Brok.
Ralph is survived by his wife, Gloria, his son, Paul, his brother, David, five grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Carolyn, his son, Phillip, his brother, Thomas, and his parents, Harold and Theoline.
Ralph's life was defined by faith, service, and love for his family. Through decades of ministry, countless sermons, and the many lives he touched along the way, he leaves behind a legacy of compassion, dedication, and quiet faithfulness. He will be deeply missed by his family, his friends, and the many people whose lives were shaped by his ministry and his example.
Ralph is now in heaven with the Lord whom he loved.
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