Ron was born in St. Paul, Minnesota on February 14, 1934 to Max and Mabel Angstman. He grew up in West St. Paul, attended Emerson Elementary School and graduated from Humboldt High School with the class of 1952. After graduation, he went to Dunwoody and to Minnesota University Extension School in St. Paul.
Ron went into the army in February of 1956. On August 4th, 1956, he married Carole while home on leave from Fort Carson, Colorado. Ron was then sent to Germany until December 18, 1956, after which he continued to serve for two years in the reserves and was honorably discharged.
Ron and Carole’s first son, Michael was a baby when they moved to South St. Paul to raise their family. Eventually three more sons, Mark, Matthew, and Kurt were born to them. The family has continued to expand, and Grandma “G.G.” and Grandpa Ron have always been very generous in spending time with their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
Ron was hard working throughout his life. He had a paper route, set up bowling pins, (in the days before it was automatic), caddied at the golf course, and worked for the railroad and was an auto mechanic before starting his career at West Publishing. He worked for West for forty-two years, first at their St. Paul and then at the Eagan location.
Ron played softball for West Publishing, Commercial Club, and many other teams. He was involved in coaching youth hockey, starting with the inter-city teams, then traveling Squirts and Pee Wees with George Powers for about fourteen years. Ron received the Fan of the Year and the Gary Mikacevich awards.
Ron’s dream of owning a cabin was realized in 1991. He bought a cabin on Sturgeon Lake, where he spent every weekend for many years, welcoming family and guests that joined them for a pontoon ride or relaxing afternoon barbeque on the deck.
Ron passed away on March 3, 2021 at United Hospital in St. Paul. He was preceded in death by his son, Kurt and parents, May and Max Angstman. He is survived by his devoted, loving wife of 64 ½ years, Carole; children, Michael, Mark (Erika), and Matthew (Kathy); grandchildren, Tanner(Katie), Korbyn, Rebekah (Tony)Thomas, Amanda, Joseph(Jessica), and Jacob; great-grandchildren, Ernie and Matteo; and sisters-in-law, Jane Ann Sodowski, Kate Hickey, and Bonnie Hickey.
Ron was a wonderful family man and friend with a great sense of humor. He loved and is loved by his sweetheart Carole, his family, and his friends. We miss Ron dearly, but hope to see that “twinkle in his eye” again in Heaven, and are grateful for the outpouring of prayers and sympathy that has touched our hearts deeply.
Memorial Service 7 pm Wednesday, March 17th with visitation 4-7 PM prior to the service at Roberts Funeral Home, 8108 Barbara Ave., Inver Grove Heights. Private Internment Resurrection Cemetery.