Ronald James Dufault

Ronald (Ron) James Dufault, 80, passed away February 3, 2023 unexpectedly at his residence in St. Anthony Park.  Ron was born in Gentilly Township on September 27, 1942 to Lawrence and Lucille (Normandin) Dufault.  He attended a rural grade school, Lafayette High School in Red Lake Falls and later graduated from the NWSA in Crookston Minnesota.  Upon his graduation from NWSA he enrolled at the University of Minnesota (St. Paul Campus) and later worked at the student union.

Once Ron moved to the cities it was clear it would be his home.  His interests were wide and varied which lent itself to all the twin cities had to offer.

While working at the student union he became very involved with the foreign exchange program and the students from all over the country.  His home was always a gathering spot whenever any of the students were around.  He hosted many of them at the lake home of his parents several times through his time with the program.  His relationship with many of the students continued after he left the student union.

Ron was an Army Veteran.  While in service he had a tour overseas and was stationed in Germany.  Later in life he would return to Europe more than once.  On one of those trips, he brought our mother and they had a very special time together.

Ron was very active in the communities he lived in for the greatest part of his life.  Although he enjoyed all of the organizations he belonged to, one of his favorites involved the MN State Fair and the MN Horticulture Society as a volunteer.  He helped develop and maintain (year-round) a landscaped section outside one of the main entrances to the Horticulture Building (on the fairgrounds) and spent every day of the fair fielding questions from passers-by regarding the plants and workings of the plot which included a running water pond.  For several years the pond had various fish which he housed in his home during the off season.  He was an avid gardener and for some time he utilized a part of his home as a greenhouse and grew various plants he used to trade with others in the neighborhood or donate to the local gardening club; helping raise money for their various activities.

Ron was preceded in death by his parents (Lawrence & Lucille).  He is survived by 3 siblings; Brother, Eugene Dufault, Crookston; Brother Cary (Sharon) Dufault, Crookston, MN and a sister, Connie (Dave) Ross, Campbell, MN and many nieces, nephews, grand nieces and nephews and cousins.

Final arrangements are pending.  If you would like more information, please feel free to contact Gene Dufault at genedufault@gmail.com or Connie Ross at cdross1987@gmail.com