Larry Wayne Ronn

June 10th, 1936 to April 21st, 2020 Larry Wayne Ronn, of Orono, MN, passed away peacefully at the age of 83, in his 84th year of life, on April 21, 2020. Larry was born on June 10th, 1936 to Lila Svea Viola (Gustafson) and Nels Arthur Ronn of Duluth, Minnesota, the oldest of three children. He attended Denfeld High School where he met the woman of his dreams, Darlynn “Dolly” Hope Hanson. He married his beautiful bride Dolly at the age of 19. They moved to Northeast Minneapolis where Larry worded as a truck driver for May Brothers Co., then Gateway Foods. For 38 years he was a dedicated, hard working, loyal employee delivering groceries in the middle of the night and day, in the coldest of winters and hottest of summers. Larry’s CB handle was the “Nordeast Kid.” He made several life long trucking buddies. He worked hard, supported his family and treated them to many fun summer vacations and festive holidays. He and Dolly were married for 38 years. Like Dolly, he was very social, made friend easily, enjoyed hosting big house parties, disco dance parties and more. He loved his wife dearly, often hugging, kissing, talking with and supporting her. His love extended to caring for his family, neighbors, church and community. He moved to Fridley in 1981 with his wife and youngest daughter to a home on a bluff, along the east bank of the Mississippi river. Larry took up boating, bought a pontoon boat and enjoyed many years exploring the river and admiring the beautiful sunsets with Dolly. He and his wife shared a solid bond and love for each other, sharing many common interests and dreams together. Dolly's rather sudden passing in late 1993 was difficult, and handled with grace. With his wife now peacefully home with the Lord, Larry continued on, keeping her close to his heart and never far from his mind. Larry had many interests and passions including reading about a multitude of subjects. He was always learning new information and applying what he had learned to better his life and those around him. He loved the holidays where he would make huge batches of Pault for his family, a large Swedish dumpling, and gorge on Lutefisk with his son-in-laws. He cherished the times he got to teach his grandchildren how to “correctly” make Pault using the recipe passed down to him by his Swedish parents. Larry was a fantastic carpenter, finishing basements on the weekends to earn extra income for his family and renovating his family’s home in his spare time. He was always the go-to guy when it came to complicated construction projects, helping all who asked. Larry was the ultimate “DIY” guy, a real MacGyver! He took time to always send birthday and holiday cards. And, he enjoyed making his own personal Christmas cards using his decorative rubber stamps and all. Larry was creative, innovative and gifted with a soulful voice. It was very special to hear him get up and sing the song “Can’t Help Falling In Love" by Elvis Presley, at family weddings and other special occasions. His voice was deep, resonant and moving. In his 30’s and 40’s, Larry was a dedicated member of Grace United Methodist Church in NE Minneapolis where he taught bible school in a special “upper room” he built for his 6th grade class. He drove the church bus and was a guide on Boundary Waters trips. He also held bible studies and often prayed with Pastor Jim before church services. His faith and love for God and man was strong. He was an active man. In his youth he loved to play hockey, no matter how cold the weather. He loved camping, and enjoyed rollerblading, golf, football, playing games like Chess, Four Score, and cards. Watching the Super Bowl with his son and son-in laws was always a special day for him. He had a great sense of humor and always appreciated a good joke, especially a good April’s fool joke! Larry’s love for boating continued into the late 90’s and beyond when he became a member of the Afton Marina where he spent several summers living on his 32 ft Trojan and made many new friends. Larry will be remembered as a real “Man’s Man.” After his passing, his oldest grandson said he was a "Giant Among Men.” Larry was incredibly strong physically, mentally and spiritually. And, he had a compassionate tender side and cared deeply for his fellow man. Many looked up to Larry as a man of true strength and integrity. On March 25th, 2012, on a dime he gave up drinking for the health of his heart, and for his grand-kids. His undeterred will to live, appreciation for life, willingness to give to others, not complain, and be grateful for all things are the special gifts he has graciously passed onto all those who knew him. Larry, one tough old Swede, had many passions and interests, faced many life struggles, made sacrifices, persevered, and above all, he had an unwavering love for God and his family. Larry is survived by his son Larry Ronn, Jr. (Mary Jo), and daughters, Honi Maronde (Kim), Sheri Ronn, and Laura Shatzer (Wade); ten grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, his sister Geri Garson, and many cousins, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister Donna Morris. Cremation Memorial Service ~ DATE: Saturday, September 12th, 2020 LOCATION: Washburn-McReavy, Glen Haven Chapel at 5125 W. Broadway Avenue, Crystal, MN 55429 TIME: 1 PM Visitation 2 PM Memorial Service ■Due to current Covid19 social gathering restrictions, the MEMORIAL VISITATION and SERVICE is limited to 70 people - Larry's family members (and friends if space is available – please contact the family to reserve a space). For those unable to attend the Memorial Service, we hope to provide an access code to log into and watch Larry’s memorial service by Zoom. Zoom can easily be downloaded to your laptop or cell phone. Reception ~ ***ALL ARE WELCOME at the RECEPTION (larger capacity) at 3:30 PM, following the Memorial Service. The Reception will be held at The Earle Brown Heritage Center located at 6155 Earle Brown Drive, Brooklyn Center, MN 55430 from 3:30-6:30. It is a beautiful venue for us all to gather and celebrate Larry's life. Watch for a Facebook Event invite and [please RSVP] so we can get an accurate head count for both the Memorial Service and Reception. You can also RSVP by sending a private FB message, call/email Wade at 952-200-9222, wade@equimaxco.com, or Laura at 952-210-7597, lrshatzer@gmail.com. To send condolences, flowers or memorial contributions; or to make an honorary donation to the Westonka Food Bank (one of Larry’s favorite charities) -- Please bring/or send to the Washburn McReavy Glen Haven Chapel (above); Or, mail to Larry Ronn at PO Box 322, Long Lake, MN 55356.

Tributes

Larry Wayne Ronn

June 10, 1936 - April 21, 2020

Tributes

Larry Wayne Ronn

June 10, 1936 - April 21, 2020

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