Ronald C. Peterson

Ronald Claire Peterson March 7, 1941 – January 24, 2025 

Ronald Claire Peterson peacefully passed on January 24, 2025. Our Lord and Savior welcomed him as he was surrounded by his loving family, ending his short yet brave battle against Lymphoma. 

Born on March 7, 1941, in Wadena, Minnesota, the eldest son of Donald and Luzetta (Martin) Peterson. 

In 1961, Ron married Mary Ellen Klose at Sacred Heart Church in Staples, Minnesota. A union that celebrated 63 years of love and devotion. Together they raised seven children: Dureen (Patrick) Donahue, Steven (Pamela) Peterson, Kim (Joseph) Finn, Joseph (Christie) Peterson, Matthew (Nancy) Peterson, Kelly (Ryan) Hajek, and Mary Kathryn (Nathan) Noska. 

Ron’s life was filled with the joy of family, which extended to 19 cherished grandchildren—Danielle, Anna, Samantha, Benjamin, Noah, Owen, William, Laura, Cathryn, Joseph, Abigail, Cassidi, Jack, Alexis, Gavin, Chloe, Lyla, Ronnie, and Charlie—and seven great-grandchildren, including Lucy, Maggie, Jameson, Vera, Irelyn, Jude, Rylee Mae, and the eighth great-grandchild expected later this summer. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Donald and Luzetta; his siblings, Geraldine, Sandra, and Lynn; and is survived by his sister, Karen. 

A respected businessman in Staples, Ron helped establish the local Jaycees chapter, served as President of the Sacred Heart School Board and was a member of the Knights of Columbus. Ron was also an Elder of the White Earth Band of Ojibwe and took great pride in his Native American Heritage. 

Ron’s true passion was supporting his children and grandchildren, never missing a moment to cheer them on in their athletics and school activities. He will be remembered by his family for his unwavering devotion as a husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. 

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on February 8, 2025, at Sacred Heart Church in Staples, Minnesota, under the direction of Brenny Funeral Services. A visitation will be held on February 7, 2025 at Brenny Funeral Home in Staples from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Burial services at Evergreen Hill Cemetery will be held at a later date. 

Ronald’s legacy of kindness, love, service and dedicated work ethic will remain forever in the hearts of those who knew him. 

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Sacred Heart School.

Arrangements are entrusted to Brenny Family Funeral Chapel, Staples.