‘He is at peace’

It’s not the outcome family and friends had hoped for, but they are now taking comfort in knowing Ralph Diaz is in a better place.
Diaz died suddenly Sunday morningin Pittsburgh while awaiting a double lung transplant. He ended up getting pneumonia in the past couple weeks and had at least one stroke, according to Ruth Hagen, a friend and co-worker of Diaz’s at RJ’s on 5th Ave Bar and Grill in Ellendale. Diaz was 51.
“It was very unexpected,” said Hagen. “It’s so unfortunate.”
Diaz left with his sister before Thanks- giving for Pittsburgh where he was on the

waiting list to receive a double lung transplant. He was diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis in February 2019.
Hagen shared how the hospital had found a set of lungs for Diaz two weeks ago. However, the lungs had a puncturein them and could not be transplanted to Diaz. “It’s like you dangle a bone in front of a dog,”

Hagen said of the situation. “It was depressing when he didn’t get those lungs. He should have had those lungs two weeks ago,” she added.
While Hagen and others are wrestling with how to understand what has happened to Diaz, they are taking comfort in knowing that he’s not suffering any more.
Hagen has also taken comfort in the fact that she was able to share photos and a video of the Rally for Ralph that took place in Ellendale on Dec. 6 before he died. More than 600 people showed up for a benefit. “It made him feel good that people really loved him,” Hagen said.
Hagen encourages people to say prayers for Diaz’s family and friends. She said Diaz  was loved by so many people. “He has left a huge hole in our community,” she said.

In honor of Diaz and his memory, RJ’s Bar is closed until at least after Christmas. “It’s time to reflect on his memory,” Hagen said.

Funeral services are pending.
Diaz grew up in Blooming Prairie. He has worked for a number of restaurants and bars in Blooming Prairie, Geneva and Ellendale over the years. He most recently took over as manager of RJ’s after his sister purchased the business about a year ago.

During Diaz’s absence, employees along with his brother Louie had been running RJ’s.
“I’m just so glad he’s not suffering,” Hagen said. “He is at peace.”