Donald Ronngren

Donald Duane Ronngren, age 85, passed away peacefully on December 8, 2024, at Sanford Hospital in Fargo, North Dakota. 

Born on August 28, 1939, in Jamestown, ND, he was the son of Arnold and Emma (Baana) Ronngren. Donald spent his formative years near Jamestown and graduated from Barnesville High School in 1957. Following his graduation, he proudly served in the Air National Guard.

In 1962, Donald met Ileen Shirley, and they were united in marriage on June 15, 1963. Together, they celebrated 61 wonderful years filled with love and family. Their union was blessed with three children: Alan, Connie, and Galen.

Donald was known for his entrepreneurial spirit and enjoyed exploring various ventures throughout his life. His most notable endeavor was running his own business, The Ducters and Smoke Masters Cleaning Service. He was affectionately nicknamed "The Cookie Man" by his younger friends from church, a testament to his warm and generous nature.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Ileen; sons Alan and Galen; daughter Connie; six cherished grandchildren: Gavin, Makayla, Tristan, Logan, Danny, and Jeremiah; as well as sisters Dorothy Dunham and Donna Oyama, brother-in-law Gerald Grefsrud, along with multiple nieces and nephews. 

Donald was preceded in death by his parents; sister Elaine Grefsrud; and brothers-in-law Dennis Dunham and Alvin Oyama.

In the last 15 months of his life, he shared how God's grace turned things around for him.

Funeral services for Donald will be held at Calvary Evangelical Free Church, 101 10th Ave SE, Pelican Rapids, MN 56572, on Sunday, December 15, 2024 at 2 PM. This service will be livestreamed, please click the hyperlink below. Visitation will be one hour prior. Burial will take place in South Immanuel Cemetery, Rothsay, MN. 

https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=calvarypelican

Larson Funeral Home is serving the family. For more information, please visit larsonfuneralpelicanrapids.com, or call (218) 863-2441.