Introduction

 'Parents'

The boys could not have had better parents.

Ruth Aurness.

Born Ruth Eleanore Duesler, daughter of Hess Graves Duesler and Mabel A. Schraudenbach. She was born on February 25, 1899, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and her family history was a mix of German and Norwegian origins. She grew up in Minneapolis and married Rolf Cirkler Aurness, a businessman of Norwegian heritage, on August 30, 1920.

Ruth’s life was characterized by both personal and professional growth. Her family was heavily active in both the business and media spheres, laying the groundwork for her children’s future success in Hollywood. Always the nurturing mother, at the same time, Ruth had a career in journalism, giving her a solid foundation in the realm of media and communication.

She was always proud of both her sons and the life they had carved out for themselves.

Ralph Aurness.

Although there is some information about Mr. Graves mother, there is very little mentioned about his father. It may have had something to do with the fact that his parents were divorced by the time he became famous, the exact date I do not know. But this did not prevent the boys from remaining close to their father.

Born on the 22^nd July 1894 in Hennepin Minnesota, the son of Peter Andreas Olsen Aursnes and Ida M Crikler, Rolf studied to become a pharmacist, and was a successful business man.

Following his marriage to Ruth Eleanore Sailsbury Duesler, they had two sons, James Aurness and Peter.

When the boys were young, it was their father who taught them to hunt, fish and ski giving them an education in the outdoor pursuits that Peter later instilled in his own children.

Rolf was always there for his sons, some of you may remember how Mr. Graves spoke fondly of the time his father went to see his music teacher in High School, because Peter had been given a tuba when he desperately wanted to play the clarinet. 

Ralph live out his last years on Mr. Graves brother’s (James Arness) ranch, in Simi Valley Ventura California and died July 26 1982 at the age of 88. And he was buried in the same cemetery as his wife, although in a separate grave.