Ralph McQuirk Obituary

Ralph McQuirk was born on March 18, 1956 in Sturgis, South Dakota to Edward and Carol (Bachman) McQuirk. He grew up in Faith, South Dakota and helped work the family businesses for a number of years.

Ralph delivered gas and diesel to a large rural area when his family ran the Mobile bulk plant. Ed’s Ranch Supply also kept him busy as a youngster as he unloaded many semi loads of feed one bag at a time. Ralph always said that is where he got his muscles from. After graduating high school he worked on a bridge crew that built bridges in the Black Hills. Later he became employed by O’Connell Construction as a heavy equipment operator for several years until the sudden death of his father. Ralph then moved back to Faith to help his mother and two young sisters operate the gas business and feed store.

On September 2, 1977 he was united in marriage to Julie Slovek. They made their home in Faith until his mother sold the feed store which at that time Ralph and his family moved to Mitchell, South Dakota so he could get an education in welding. After completing his education he pursued a career in the coal mines of Wyoming, but while waiting to hear back from his pending job applications he was injured on a motorcycle and was not able to take the job he had been waiting for.

Eventually Ralph was able to use his skills as a welder by starting D&R Trailer Parts along with a partner Don Anderson. He continued to repair and build all kinds of trailers but mainly horse trailers. In 1987 he purchased Ingram’s Ditching and turned it into McQuirk Ditching.

With hard work and long days Ralph established a well-known excavation and underground utility business. July 2017 was the 30 year anniversary of the business. After graduating college in 2009 Ralph’s son Elliot joined him full-time. They made several of the things they needed to do their jobs like reel trailers and adapters for their equipment. Ralph believed in doing as much as he could himself such as all the mechanical work on the equipment and even repaired fellow ditcher’s equipment for them.

Ralph enjoyed playing poker with his buddies, going on fishing trips to Canada, going to Deadwood, Las Vegas and not Laughlin, Nevada. He also enjoyed going to country music concerts such as the time he went to Garth Brooks which was a highlight he talked about for months afterwards.

Ralph was known for doing good work and for his honesty.

Survivors include his wife Julie of Philip; one son Elliot (Tracy Enders) McQuirk of Philip; a brother Phil (Peggy) McQuirk of Vale; two sisters Genevieve "Genny" McQuirk of Minneapolis, Minnesota, and Nella (Donnie) Love of Amarillo, Texas; special family friend Jennifer Elshere Kennedy of Las Vegas, NV; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Ralph was preceded in death by their daughter Alicia on July 1, 2014, and his parents Ed and Carol McQuirk.

A visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m. on Friday, December 28, at Rush Funeral Home in Philip.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 29, at the Philip High School Fine Arts Building.

Interment will follow at the Masonic Cemetery in Philip.

Cards and memorials may be sent to P.O. Box 582, Philip, SD 57567.

Guest Book

So sorry to hear about the death Ralph. Thoughts & prayers
~ Toinett Gibbons Denver, Colorado (12/28/2018)

Condolences to your family in the loss of Ralph. Went to school in Faith and spent a lot of summertime at Palmer and Dorothy Pearson place out side of Phillip. Small communities are full of people like Ralph and he was an asset to Faith & Phillip that will be greatly missed!
~ James Escott Westminster, Co 80031 (12/28/2018)

So sorry to hear
~ Marlin Parson Bennettsville SC (12/27/2018)

We would like to express our deepest sympathy. May those precious memories be foremost in your hearts and minds during this difficult time. Isaiah as they are 25 each 25.8
Isaiah 25:8
~ Jackson Family MD (12/31/2018)

Julie & family, I am so very sorry for your loss. May God give you strength through this difficult time in your life. Love and prayers to you. Your old friend, Rita
~ Rita Anker Murdo (12/27/2018)

Julie, Elliot and family ~ you are in my thoughts and prayers. May God bless you with wonderful memories and bring you peace during this difficult time.
~ Felicia Porch Gillette, WY (12/27/2018)

When someone we love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure. May you cherish all of your wonderful memories of Ralph. A scripture that has uplifted me during times such as this is found at Revelation 21:4. There it describes a time when death and pain will be gone forever after God restores his original purpose for the earth. We will even see our loved ones again who we have lost in death (John 5:28 & 29). I hope the Scriptures along with your memories of your dear Ralph bring you a measure of comfort during this difficult time.
~ Elaine (12/26/2018)

We are so very sorry to hear of Ralph's unexpected passing. He will be greatly missed by many. Ralph was always quick to respond to any situation and we appreciated that very much. Our deepest sympathy to you all as you work through this painful time.
~ Nancy Green Valley, AZ (1/10/2019)

Julie and Elliot,
So sorry to hear of the loss of Ralph! He was a good, genuine, kind and caring man!!! May God be with you both through this difficult time! You both are in my thoughts and prayers!!!
~ Kagee Lauseng Watertown, Sd (12/27/2018)

Sending prayers your way in this time of loss and the days ahead. Remember that others are lifting you up in prayer and want to support you. May God comfort both of you.
~ Corinna Mooney Thompson Faith, SD (12/27/2018)

So sorry to hear about Ralph.. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this time.
~ Lacey Logan-Thorson Philip SD (12/26/2018)

So very sorry to hear this sad news. May God bless you with His comfort and provide peace. Hugs and much love.
Mike and Shar
~ Mike and Shar Moses Philip, S.D. (12/28/2018)

Thinking of you during this difficult time. Prayers for everyone.
~ Deb Wicks Faith,SD (12/27/2018)

So sorry to hear of Ralph passing. Our thoughts and prayers.
~ Ralph & Cathy Fiedler Sturgis, S.D. (12/27/2018)

SD
~ Dorothy Lesselyoung Pierre (12/27/2018)

We are so sorry to hear about the passing of Ralph. Cherish the memories. If you guys need anything please let us know. Praying for strength & peace in this difficult time.
~ Lee, Nicole & Victor Dennis Philip (12/26/2018)

My sympathy to all of you. I went to school with Ralph, and the rest of the "kids". Wishing you God's Peace.
~ Cindy Escott Faith, SD (12/27/2018)

Julie and Elliot,
My heart aches for you during this sad and painful time. You are in my heart and in my prayers as you deal with your loss.
~ Janet Lurz Wall (12/26/2018)

Prayers and fond memories are what we have to remember our dearly departed. May the love of family and friends comfort you during these difficult days. Our most heartfelt condolences.
~ Bridgett (Rush) and Chris Stark IL (12/29/2018)

Julie and Elliot and family, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. My prayers are with you all. God bless you in this heart breaking time.
~ Chancie Baenen Lead SD (12/26/2018)

So very sorry to hear of Ralph's sudden passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
~ Christi Weber Rapid City, SD (12/29/2018)

Julie and Elliot: So shocked to learn of Ralph's passing. He was a good friend and would do anything for anyone. May the love of family and friends help comfort you at this time and in the days ahead.
~ Dave & Karen Webb Rapid City, SD (12/27/2018)

So sad to hear of Ralph's passing. We have so many memories of him and the McQuirk family back in their Faith days.
~ Gordie and Kathy Collins Faith, SD (12/28/2018)

Julie and family I was surprised to hear of Ralph's passing! I considered him a long time friend and will miss meeting him on the road or in town! God be with you all at this time!!
~ Joe Millage & Elaine Thennis Philip, S.D. (12/26/2018)

My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Don Anderson was my uncle and he so loved his time working with Ralph.
~ Donna Bodkin Craven Rapid City, SD (12/27/2018)

Julie, Elliot and family, We are so sorry for your loss, you are in all our thoughts and prayers. May He give you strength and peace now and in the days ahead.
~ Eric & Kayla Bastian Pierre (12/28/2018)

So sorry to hear the news, does not seem possible, just saw him at the post office last week. Hold on to all the good memories. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
~ Les & Joann Pearson Philip, SD (12/27/2018)

Julie and Elliott: So saddened to hear about Ralph. I hope all the good memories you shared will help you both through this tough time. You are in my thoughts and I will keep you in my prayers. Love and Hugs ~~
~ KATHY McPHERSON CAPUTA SD (12/26/2018)

Julie, Elliott & Tracy...I'm so sorry to hear of Ralph's passing. I will keep u & family in my thoughts & prayers. Please let us know if u will need anything....May God wrap his loving arms around u all & may u find peace in comfort in his loving arms.
~ Russ & Barb Logan 20605 Castle Butte Rd. Philip, SD 57567 (12/26/2018)

Julie, Elliot and Tracy - We are heartbroken to hear about Ralph. May you find comfort in the memories and strength in the many days ahead. Please let us know if we can do anything for you.
~ Kyle & Jamie Weller Rapid City (12/26/2018)

Remember the good times and always keep them in your heart. Ralph put in many waterlines for us and always did his best.
~ Jim and Vonnie O’Dea Howes, SD (12/27/2018)

Sorry to hear of Ralphs passing. We sure had some good times in Phillp a few years ago.
~ Dan and Von Wasser Austin Colorado (12/30/2018)

We were so shocked and sorry to hear of the loss of Ralph. Please know you are on our hearts in the coming days and weeks.
~ Jason and Vonda Hamill Milesville, SD (12/28/2018)