My condolences to the family of Ron. May the God of true comfort be with you during this time of grief.
Ronald Robert Witschen
November 22, 1933 – April 17, 2017
Mass of Christian Burial will be private for Ronald Robert Witschen, age 83, of St. Cloud. Ronald passed away peacefully on April 17, 2017 at Hilltop Care Center in Watkins. Fr. Aaron Nett will be officiating. Ron will be buried at Assumption Cemetery in St. Cloud.
Ron was born in 1933 to Leo and Anne (Kaeter) Witschen in St. Cloud. He graduated from Cathedral High School in St. Cloud. He started working for the Typewriter Shop as a young man. Then went on to Ennis Business Forms where he worked as a salesman. Ron retired from Ennis Business Forms in 1999.
Ron spent his life on Long Lake in Clear Lake, Minnesota. His hobbies were woodworking and fishing. But his greatest passion in life was his love for his family!
Ron raised 4 children as a single father: Ramona, Elizabeth, David and Robert. All his passions in life were given to us. As a woodworker he taught us all the importance of making something for yourself. He never criticized the imperfections in the wood, the knots, the different grain colors or the not so perfect paint brush strokes. He said it gave the project character just like the project of life. He also taught all of us to fish because it was a lesson in patience (Sometimes a long lesson). He never had a cross word for anybody. He would always say “please” and never forgot to say “thank you”. Ron taught us that life isn’t always going to be fair, so don’t expect it. He taught us to look for joy in the simple things: a sunset over the lake, a good movie or a beer with friends. In our home growing up everyone was always welcome. As we married and started our own families, the fuller the house the happier it made him. All his grandchildren and great grandchildren knew him and loved him. Every holiday was spent at Grandpa’s house. His favorite holiday was Christmas! At times you had to walk over sleds, snow pants and 25 pairs of snow boots. It didn’t matter to Dad. He would just say those were the great little things in life.
For us, we were the lucky ones. We will always be grateful for the love and life lessons he gave us, our spouses and his 12 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren.
Memorials are preferred to the Muscular Dystrophy Association.
Guestbook
Mona, I was so sorry to read about your dad. I remember his as a gentle man with a sense of humor. He was always there to give us rides into town. I hope your memories give you some smiles at this difficult time.
Julie
My condolences to your family. RIP, Ron. Thank you Dave, Mona, Beth, and Bob for sharing a little bit of your Dad with all of us at Dave’s office the past 30 years.