Ronald Reitmeier

Ronald Edward Reitmeier, 72, of Fisher, MN, passed away Tuesday morning, November 21, 2017, in Altru Hospital in Grand Forks, ND, with his loving family by his side.

Ronald Edward Reitmeier was born in Crookston, MN on July 24, 1945 to Edward and Lucille (Wagner) Reitmeier.  He was baptized and confirmed in the Christian faith at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Crookston, MN.  He grew up on the family farm northeast of Fisher, MN.  Being an only child, he had many memorable years with his cousins nearby.  Ron attended school in Fisher, where he was active in various sports, music, and drama activities, graduating in 1963. He then went on to study at the University of MN for a year, where he played football for the Gophers.  He transferred his education to the University of MN Technical Institute (UMC), graduating with distinction in 1968 with a degree in Agriculture.

After his formal education was complete, Ron joined his parents in a lifelong career of farming.  He married Julianne (Phalen) on June 28, 1969. Before moving to the farmstead as a married couple, they made their first home in Crookston, with a short stint in St. Paul, MN, while Julie completed her degree.    They joined his parents on the farm in 1970, where they started their family.

Ron was active in multiple organizations throughout the years.  He was known for his fair and honest leadership style in many arenas.  He spent years serving as board member on the following:  American Crystal Sugar Board of Directors, Fanny Township Board, Fisher Public School Board, MN Farmer’s Union Executive Committee, Our Savior’s Lutheran Church Board, and the PKM Electric Cooperative Board.

He loved to hunt, whether it be deer, elk, grouse, or wild pigs, he always enjoyed sharing stories about his hunting adventures.  He also loved to fish, up at Lake of the Woods, over at Waskish, or down at the river near Fisher. He loved gardening, preparing each spring with his seed catalogs and reaping a bountiful harvest each fall for Julie to process.  He spent hours upon hours picking every berry on the farm!  He loved animals, anything with feathers or fur would find themselves cared for by this gentle soul.  He was proud to pour his hard work and sweat into his farming career. Planning, preparing, planting, tending, and harvesting; ready to do it all over again the next year…it was in his blood. He loved to let people know that they mattered; never too busy to listen, to give a bear hug, or a firm handshake.

Above all, Ron loved his family.  Even after all the accomplishments he achieved throughout his life, he was most proud to be called Dad, and later, Grandpa.  Ron and Julie raised their family in the Christian faith, sharing this with their grandchildren as well.  He was a strong foundation, a patient teacher, a gentle guide…always there to lean on with wisdom and understanding.

Ron is survived by his wife of 48 years, Julie; son, Jasen (Lea) Reitmeier, of Fisher, MN; daughter, Denise (Darrin) Anderson, of Bismarck, ND; son, Lance (Jennifer) Reitmeier, of Fisher, MN; daughter, Laura (Kevin) Pearson, of Fergus Falls, MN; and grandchildren, Alex and Emily Reitmeier, Greta, Isaac, and Maggie Anderson, Hayden, Ella, and Malene Reitmeier, and Lily, Paige, Luke, and Sarah Pearson.

Ron was preceded in death by his parents, and by his in-laws, James and Mildred (Bakken) Phalen.

A funeral service will be held to honor Ron’s life, Monday, November 27, 2017, at 10:30am, at Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Crookston, MN, with burial to follow at Greenwood Cemetery in Fisher, MN.  A visitation will be held the night before, Sunday, November 26, 2017, at Stenshoel-Houske Funeral Home in Crookston, MN, from 5:00-7:00pm, with a prayer service to follow. Pastor Steve Bohler will be officiating.

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