Age 70 of Inver Grove Heights MN, formerly of South Saint Paul, MN
Died peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Friday, December 22, 2017 at the Minneapolis VA Hospital in Minneapolis, MN.
Ron was born on August 24, 1947 in Worthington, MN. He later moved to the Twin Cities area in 1959 and graduated from Alexander Ramsey High School in 1965. Ron honorably served his country as a Navy Seabee (Construction Battalion) from August 8, 1966 to July 29, 1968. After returning home he married his wonderful wife, MaryAnn Nauer, on December 7, 1968.
Throughout his work career Ron worked in purchasing and operations management. He retired in 2005. MaryAnn and Ron spent the next few years traveling coast to coast in their RV and just having fun. It was a very exciting and happy time for them!
As a father and grandfather, Ron dedicated himself to his children and grandchildren. Whether it be volunteering at school or in the various sports programs he was involved with…Ron was there! When his grandchildren, Sheadon, Nolan and Daniela were old enough to participate in activities, regardless of whether it be hockey, baseball, soccer, lacrosse, football or basketball, Ron (or as his grandkids affectionately called him “Grumpa”) was there!
The delight of Ron’s life in the most recent years were his grandchildren, Sheadon, Nolan and Dani. His goal was to never miss a game in which they were participating. Upon returning home from his prior extended stay at the VA Hospital, Ron said, “…if there is a game that one of my grandchildren are in, I want to be there.”
Ron attended his last game on Friday, December 15th, where he watched his goalie, Nolan, play hockey. On Saturday, December 16th Ron returned to the VA Hospital for the final time.
Ron will be lovingly remembered by his wife, MaryAnn, two sons; Theron (Jessica) von Behren of South St. Paul, MN, and David von Behren of St. Paul, MN; sister Nancy (Chris) Doan; and three grandchildren, Sheadon, Nolan and Daniela.
Memorial service will take place Thursday, December 28 at 1:00 pm; St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, West St. Paul, MN; with a time of gathering at 12:30 pm. Interment at Fort Snelling National Cemetery will take place at a later date.