James Ralph Mastin

Ralph was born January 8, 1912, at Buffalo Center, Iowa, the son of James K. & Lydia P. (Spencer)Mastin. He was raised and attended Country School near Buffalo Center, IA. On December. 6, 1933 he married Esther B. Bosma at Buffalo Center. He worked as a farm hand until 1936 when he started farming on his own. Ralph & Esther farmed in the Blue Earth-Elmore areas until retiring in 1975 and purchasing a home in Blue Earth. They spent their winters in Arizona until Esther preceded him in death in 1995. On January. 29, 1998 he married Pearl Kerstiens at Mesa, Az.. Pearl preceded him in death later that year.He was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Farm Bureau, and active in the Blue Earth Senior Center. He was a past member of Shiloh Lutheran Church, School Board Member of Dist. #19, and 4-H Leader. His hobbies included teachingand doing Macrame, woodworking, playing pool, bowling, fishing, playing cards, dancing, walking, and spending time with his family. He is survived by his Son: Roger & his wife, Julene Mastin, Elmore, Son: Kenneth & his wife, Iona Mastin, Blue Earth,Daughter: Donna & her husband, Reynold Anderson, Blue Earth, Daughter: Sharon & her husband, Carl Vincent, Pylmouth, Daughter: Janice & her husband, Elgene Darnell, Cross Lake, Daughter: Judy & her husband, Alan Albrecht, Maple Grove, 19 Grandchildren, 5 Step Grandchildren, 29 Great Grandchildren, 6 Step Great Grandchildren, Cousin: Mattie Bowers, Buffalo Center, IA, who was raised as a sister.He was also preceded in death by his parents and one brother (William P. Mastin) .