Michael Ralich

November 15, 1946 - January 12, 2021

Michael Ralich was born to Mike and Theresa (Young) Ralich on November 15, 1946, in Chicago, Il. He served in the US Air Force from 1964 until his honorable discharge in 1968. He was united in marriage with Vicky Lee Schey on May 24, 1975 in Staples, MN. Michael, age 74, passed away on January 12, 2021, at the St. Cloud Hospital, due to complications of Covid-19. Michael was preceded in death by parents Mike and Theresa, and one grandson. He is survived by his devoted wife Vicky; children Leslie (Dean) Sovich, Jim (Shannon) Schey, Michael Ralich, Nicola (Greg) Rowland and Richard (Kim) Ralich; 17 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren; along with a brother Bernard (Linda) Ralich. Burial will be held at a later date in the Minnesota Veterans Cemetery, near Little Falls, MN ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ --- Grandpa’s Hands --- When I was just a child and you would hold my hand, I didn’t have a worry I didn’t understand. As I grew and learned to stand up on my own, sometimes I was scared and I felt alone. But then you were standing by my side. You held my hand again and taught me not to hide. I am older and wiser now, now I understand the strength that was within me comes from Grandpa’s hand. Love, Jason ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ --- Letting Go --- The angels gathered near your bed, so very close to you. For they knew all of the things that you were going through, I thought about so many things, I tightly held your hand, Oh, how I wished that you were strong and healthy once again; But your eyes were looking homeward to a place beyond the sky, where God will hold you always, it was time to say goodbye; I struggled with my selfish thoughts -- For I wanted you to stay So we could walk and talk again, Like we did -- just yesterday; But God still knows what is best And I knew God loved you so So I gave you life’s greatest gift; The gift of letting go.