Ralph W. Sindt

Ralph William Sindt was born on July 28, 1938 in Holdrege, NE to William and Thyra (Robinson) Sindt. He passed on Thursday, December 26, 2024 at the Arbor Care Center, Franklin, Nebraska.

Ralph grew up on the farm in rural Franklin county, Nebraska, first attending country school and later graduating from Franklin Public Schools in 1955. He married the love of his life, Jolene Bergman, on August 19, 1956, and they were blessed with four sons: Doug, Steve, Mike, and Justin. In 1963 they adopted 2 more sons Don and Shannon. 

After high school, Ralph attended Doane College, for one year before returning to the family farm. Ralph faced life’s challenges with unwavering determination. In 1983, he survived a life-altering farm accident, losing his leg. He often shared how he felt lifted by an angel during this life-changing moment, which deepened his faith and brought him closer to God. Ralph’s strength carried him through other later health challenges and often was said to have “almost” used all his 9 lives. 

Ralph’s upbringing valued busyness and work on the farm. He loved getting out early in the morning to feed the cattle and many of life’s lessons were learned working cattle beside him at the squeeze chute or in the sort alley where you’d have at least a good second to understand his directions before you let the wrong one pass through. Ralph didn’t ever want you to think that having one leg was going to slow him down. This determination was a virtue that was not talked about but understood that never should a man with one leg be able to outwork you. 

Ralph was an outdoorsman and loved to fish. Making set lines for catfish in the Republican River was often done to break up irrigation and haying season. Summer family vacation spots were often found in Colorado trout streams or portaging lake-to-lake on Northern canoe trips where many memories were made. 

Later, Ralph loved to take the grandkids to his pond south of their house and at Harlan County Lake. Ralph got the boys hooked on going to South Dakota fishing when Ralph booked them on a KRVN bus trip in the early 2000’s. We recall Ralph being the first one out in the morning to meet the guides and find the one with the nicest boat so that he’d have the best chance of catching the most fish.

Ralph was active in his local church throughout his life and served in various roles in church leadership, taught Sunday school, and was active in the men's group. At the time of his passing, he was a devoted member of Faith Evangelical Free Church. Ralph’s faith guided his life, and his dedication to God’s work was evident in all he did.

Ralph and Jolene loved traveling together, often taking their camper on extended vacations to Colorado, Texas and Alaska. Many new friends and memories were made on these trips and it was in those times where Ralph could relax and enjoy himself and get away from the busyness of farm life. At home, Ralph enjoyed planting a big summer garden and often could be found pulling weeds, chasing rabbits, and giving away his crop of vegetables to family and friends. 

Ralph is survived by his wife of 68 years, Jolene; his children: Don Sindt of Lincoln, NE; Doug Sindt of Franklin, NE; Steve (Kim) Sindt of Inavale, NE; Mike (Brenda) Sindt of Scottsbluff, NE; and Justin (Holly) Sindt of Elm Creek, NE; his sister-in-law, Janea (Bill) Kahrs of Bloomington; 15 grandchildren; 30 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends. Ralph was preceded in death by his parents, William and Thyra Sindt; brother Wilbur and wife Gloria; his son Shannon Sindt; daughter-in-law Polly Sindt; and great-granddaughter Aubree Sindt.

Ralph’s life will be celebrated with services on Tuesday, December 31, at 11:00 am at the Evangelical Free Church in Franklin, NE. with Pastors Dexter Cogburn and Larry Butterfield officiating. Burial will follow at the Franklin Greenwood Cemetery. Viewing with no family present will be Monday, December 30th 4:00pm to 6:00 pm at Hutchins Funeral Home, Franklin, Nebraska. The casket will remained closed at the church. Memorials in Ralph’s honor may be made to the Evangelical Free Church.