Thief River Falls – Ronald Winter, 78, of Thief River Falls, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 24, 2024, at Altru Hospital in Grand Forks, ND.
Ronald Herman Winter was born September 23, 1946, in Detroit Lakes, the son of Herman F. and Lillian (Walz) Winter. He was baptized and confirmed at St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Waubun. Ron attended school in Waubun, graduating with the Class of 1964.
From 1969 until 1971, Ron served with the United States Army and was stationed in Seoul, Korea. He was Honorably Discharged and returned to Minnesota to marry the love of his life, Deloris “Dee” Bjerken on May 1, 1971. They lived in Blaine, and in 1977 settled in Thief River Falls, where they raised their three children, Troy, Trisha and Anthony.
Ron worked as a Certified Public Accountant for Nesland Accounting and purchased the business in 1984. Ron owned and operated Ronald H. Winter CPA until 2004 when he proudly sold to Dave Onkka. Ron served customers throughout Northwest Minnesota and was respected for his kind, caring, detail-oriented manner which he ran his business.
Ron has earned professional memberships in MNPA, MSNPA, MNSPA, and NSA.
In his free time, Ron enjoyed playing cards, cheering on the Minnesota Vikings, singing, fishing, telling jokes, visiting, and he especially enjoyed time with Dee, his children, grandchildren and great-grandson.
Ron was a very Thief River Falls community-oriented man. He was a member of St. Bernard’s Catholic Church where he served on the Finance Committee and Knights of Columbus. His memberships also included the VFW Post 2793 where he served as Past Post Commander, American Legion Post 117, Eagles Club, Chamber of Commerce, TRF Community Development, and Lions Club.
Survivors include his loving wife of 53 years, Dee of Thief River Falls; children, Troy (Sara) Winter of Moorhead, Trisha (Merrit) Olson and Anthony (Becky) Winter all of Thief River Falls; grandchildren, Alexis, Gabe, Morgan, Ian, Maddie and Elle; great-grandson, Brooks; mother, Lillian of Fargo, ND; sister, Beverly (Dan) Hunt of Moorhead; and many other relatives and friends.
He is preceded in death by his father, Herman; brothers, Duane and Curtis; grandchild, Abbigail; and numerous relatives.
Visitation was held from 5–7 p.m. with a 6:30 p.m. prayer service on Friday, September 27, 2024, at St. Bernard’s Catholic Church. Visitation was also held at 10 a.m. with the Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. on Saturday, September 28, 2024, at St. Bernard’s Catholic Church in Thief River Falls, with Father Rick Lambert presiding. Burial followed at St. Bernard’s Cemetery in Thief River Falls. Military honors were provided by Ekelund-Holmstrom American Legion Post 117, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2793 and Minnesota Army National Guard Honor Guard.
Memorials are suggested to St. Jude’s Hospital and Paralyzed Veterans of America.
Condolences may be sent at www.johnsonfuneralservice.com.
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