Robert H Ronningen

Robert "Bob" Ronningen, 91, resident of rural Pelican Rapids, MN, died on Friday, April 15, 2016 at the VA Hospital in Fargo, ND. Robert Harmon Ronningen was born on January 30, 1925 to James Marion and Effie (Holt) Ronningen on the family farm in Pelican Township. As a young man he served his country in the US Army during WW II from 1944-1946. He was in the African and European Theater Campaigns. Following his service, he returned home to Minnesota and on June 8, 1947 was united in marriage to Ella Marie Holloway in Fergus Falls. Bob worked at Gilbert Sorum Auto Repair Shop and George Sanstead Auto Repair. Bob and Ella raised their children on the family farm north of Pelican Rapids where he was a dairy farmer for over 40 years. After retiring in 1986, farming never left his blood and he worked for Trosvik Farms. He was a lifetime member of the Pelican Rapids VFW and was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church. In 1946, he was instrumental in building the "Old Setters' monument on the north edge of Pelican Rapids. He enjoyed playing canasta, dominoes, and other activities with his family. He volunteered at the VFW Christmas Meal and at the Rollag Steam Threshers Reunion. In the last couple years of his life, he has lived at the Pelican Valley Care Center and the Minnesota Veterans Home in Fergus Falls. He is survived by three children: Joan (Brad) Lunde, Pelican Rapids, MN; Danny (Kathy) Ronningen, Fargo, ND; Kari (Sean) Randall, Sioux Falls, SD; grandson, Matthew Lunde, Laramie, WY, three step-grandchildren, Kimberly Rhea and Michael Young, Nashville, TN, Jamie (Richie) Schneider, Fargo ND; and seven step great-grandchildren. Bob was preceded in death by his wife Ella on June 30, 2012, two infant daughters: Vickie and Marie Ronningen, parents, four siblings: Eleanore Pierce, Jewel Ronningen, Charles Ronningen, and Stanley Ronningen.Visitation: will be held one hour prior to the Memorial Service. Memorial Service: 11:00 am, Saturday, April 30, 2016 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Pelican Rapids, MNClergy: Rev. Scott BlockBurial: Pelican Valley Cemetery, Pelican Rapids, Minnesota with Military Honors provided by the Pelican Rapids Honor GuardFuneral Home: Larson Funeral Home 304 3rd Street S.E. Pelican Rapids, MN US 56572