Ralph N. Maigaard

Ralph N. Maigaard passed away unexpectedly Tuesday, May 18, 2010, to be with his his Lord and Saviour, his wife of 53 years, Joan, and his parents, Martinus and Alfreda.

Ralph was born to Danish immigrants and proudly grew up in the Danish East Side Community. It was here, where he developed his strong Danish heritage, long-term friendships, and was very active in the Danish Community. He was baptized, confirmed, and married in the Danish Lutheran Church. Ralph was a proud graduate of East High School, where he participated in several sports, excelling in basketball, as the leading scorer, and an All State Selection. He was also Senior Class President. It was here, where he met his High School sweetheart, Joan. They were married for 53 years. Ralph accepted a full ride basketball scholarship to Drake University and was an outstanding scorer for the Bulldogs. Ralph received his B.S. from Drake in 1954. He then enlisted in the Air Force and was commissioned as a Lieutenant, subsequently achieving the rank of Captain. During his time in the Air Force, he was a trained Navigator-Radar Intercept Officer. Ralph and his wife Joan resided in many places all over the country during his tenure with the Air Force. After the Air Force, Ralph and Joan moved back to Iowa, where Ralph began his successful teaching and basketball coaching career. He was Head Coach at five different High Schools in Iowa and Arizona where his teams achieved winning records and tournament successes. While in Arizona, Ralph obtained his Master’s of Education Degree from Arizona State University.

Ralph and Joan returned to Iowa, where he resumed his coaching career in Newton. He accepted a basketball coaching position with Tech High School, where his teams were considered the highest scoring offensive powerhouses in one of the toughest conferences. Ralph then pursued his Administrative positions at Amos Hiatt Junior High, Franklin Junior High, Tech High School, and Lincoln High School. He was then appointed as the Director of Curriculum and Athletics for the Des Moines School District. After retirement, Ralph and Joan relocated to Arizona. Ralph received many honors and awards, including, induction to the East High School Hall of Fame. Ralph loved the game of basketball, all of his friends and colleagues throughout the years, and, was well respected for his compassion, devotion, and humble nature. He was a devoted husband, father, brother, grandfather, and friend. He will be missed dearly by everyone, especially, his three children that adored him. He is now at peace in heaven enjoying his new life with his wife and our Mom. You will always be our rock and in our lives everyday watching over us. We could not have asked for a better father.

Ralph is preceded in death by his wife Joan; his parents, Martinus and Alfreda Maigaard; and his eldest brother, Norman Maigaard. Those left to honor you, and your name, are your three adoring children: Kristine Bergman (William); Jeffrey Maigaard (Kelly); and Lisa Maigaard. Your two grandchildren, Kara and Mark Bergman. Three step-grandchildren, Courtney Harden, Chelsea and Chloe Keeney, and your two brothers, Ron (Melvie), and Leonard (Norma).

A Memorial Service will be held at Luther Memorial Church located at 1201 Grandview on Monday, May 24, 2010, at 1:00 p.m.

Memorial contributions can be directed to the family to set up a sports scholarship fund at East High School in Ralph’s honor.

Condolences may be made at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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