Theodore Ravndalen, the son of Ingeborg (Jenson) and Ole Ravndalen, was born on November 18, 1918 in Ross, MN. He started his 1st grade there, before moving with his family to Roosevelt, MN. He worked on his family farm until he reached the age of 15, when he started working the harvest in the Dakota’s. In 1943, Ted was drafted in the U.S. Navy. He served aboard the USS Intrepid in the South Pacific, before being discharged in 1945. He earned a special commendation for his service from his commanding officer and the U.S. Navy and a Purple Heart. He returned to Roosevelt and owned and operated a logging camp south of Roosevelt, which employed between 50-60 men. He bought his first 40 acres in 1939 and started farming full time in 1950 until his retirement in 1989. He also logged in the winters with his brothers. He and Betsy (Furseth-Mikelson) were married December 16, 1960 in Lomita, CA. In the later years, they spent their winters in California with her children. Betsy passed away in 1993.
Ted remained active in the Roosevelt American Legion, playing cards, taking care of his yard, and dining at the local café with his brother, Jergen.
Ted passed away on November 18, 2002 at the Altru Hospital in Grand Forks at the age of 84.
He is survived by Betsy’s children, Dorial (Betty) Mickelson of Pueblo, Colorado, Rodney (Kathy) Mickelson of Hamilton, Montana, Ione Nichols of Las Vegas, Nevada and Odell (Sue) Mickelson of the Twin Cities; several step-grandchildren and great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; a brother, Gunval; and sister-in-laws, Cora Ravndalen and Eileen Ravndalen.
He was proceeded in death by his parents; wife Betsy; brothers, Olaf, Otto, Alvin, and Jergen and sisters, Tillie and Marie.