Arnold Ronning, 81

Arnold Marvin Ronning, 81, died July 8, 2010 at Douglas County Hospital in Alexandria.

Arnold was born in Moe Township, Douglas County, on December 9, 1928, the son of Einar and Cora (Angen) Ronning. He was brought up on a farm and attended School District #64 through the 8th grade. The school he attended served as the family home in later years.

On July 15, 1947, Arnold was united in marriage to Deloras Mrnak in Belle River. She continued to be his sweetheart and best friend for their entire married life of almost 63 years. To this union 12 children were born. They worked as a couple on different farms and then made their home on a farm near Miltona.

Arnold was a true jack-of-all-trades as he provided for his family. He drove milk and bulk truck, ran a gas station, worked as a logger with an axe, eventually using a chain saw, and worked for Northwood Specialties of Parkers Prairie where he eventually became manager. Arnold and Deloras also were in the Amway business for more than 30 years and managed Lake Carlos Villas for a period of time.

In Arnold’s retirement he enjoyed woodworking and made everything from picture frames to shelves, table, benches, or whatever his family needed or asked for.

Arnold came to know something was needed in his life and he asked the Lord Jesus into his heart and accepted his free gift of salvation and was saved, and his life was changed. He was baptized as an adult at First Baptist Church in Parkers Prairie where he has attended for more than 28 years.

Arnold also enjoyed farming, traveling, dancing, playing guitar, singing, driving truck, woodworking and especially being with family and friends.

Arnold is survived by his wife, Deloras Ronning of Parkers Prairie; children, DiAnn (Ray) Schmidt of Arvada, CO, Carol (Al) Beam of St. Joseph, Cindy (Charles) Larson of Brooklyn Park, Randy (Linda) Ronning of Champlin, Marjorie (Kenny) Francis of Amarillo, TX, Rick (Nancy) Ronning of Blaine, Pamela (Kim) Collins of Alexandria, Roxane (Pete) Mikkelson of Bertha, David (Susan) Ronning of Alexandria, Jim (Joan) Ronning of Miltona, Lori (Paul) Wagner of Sartell, and son-in-law, Kevin (Edite) Donnatelle of Park Rapids.

Grandchildren who survive Arnold include Deena (Paul) Hurtado, Darcee Schmidt, Wade, Keith (Anna) and Jacey Stocker, Caren (Ryan) Larson, Craig (Julia) Larson, Lindsey (Chad) Spoolman, Bree (Eric) Roberts, Lori (Jon) Morris, Kyle, Kirby and Maggie Ronning, Becky (Rick) Saar, Kris (Lindsay) Collins, Jamie (Kyle) Leaf, Angie (Aaron) Lemke, Jake (Jessica), Jeff (Sarah), Rocky, Eli and Anna Donatelle, Nathan (Stacy), Jeremy (MaKayla) Payne, Cora, Emily and Deanna Mikkelson, Tom and Reggie Ronning, Meagan and Eric Ronning, Brent, Dan, Kyla, Adam and Rachel Wagner, and Bob Beam. Also surviving are great-grandchildren, Gracie, Tegon, Katie, John, Adeline, Madison, Zoe, Katelyn, Richard Allan III, Bailey, Abigail, Isabella, Andrew, Chelsea, Triston, Tavin and Mason; several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Arnold was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Charlotte Engebretson; brother-in-law, Orville Engebretson; daughter, Joan Donnatelle; and still and pre-born grandchildren.

Funeral services were held Monday, July 12 at First Baptist Church in Parkers Prairie with the Rev. Robert Duggan officiating. Family members provided the music and Wade Stocker, Craig Larson, Kyle Ronning, Kris Collins, Jake Donatelle, Nathan Payne, Tom Ronning, Eric Ronning and Brent Wagner served as pallbearers.

Arrangements are with Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria; www.andersonfuneral.net.

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