Ronald Kristofferson

Ronald "Ron" Kristofferson, 63, of Nisswa, passed away Monday, November 24, 2008 at the St. Joseph Medical Center in Brainerd, MN following a courageous battle with cancer. Services for Ron will be 11:00 AM, Monday, December 1, 2008 at Lakewood Evangelical Free Church in Baxter with Pastor Randy Ahlberg officiating. Friends are welcome to visit starting at 10:00 AM at the church. Interment will follow services at Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery near Camp Ripley, MN.
Ron was born July 29, 1945 in Brainerd, MN the son of Oscar and Lorena (Fryklind) Kristofferson. He graduated from Brainerd High School before being drafted into the US Marine Corps. Ron served as a Lance Corporal, 2nd Battalion, 4th Marine Division "Magnificent Bastards" in Vietnam where he was decorated with three Purple Hearts. Following his honorable discharge, he was united in marriage to Susan Waldin on August 20, 1977 on Gull Lake near Brainerd, MN. Ron worked for the State of Minnesota for a number of years as a Rehabilitation Employment Counselor.

Ron enjoyed fishing and hunting. He was a past member of the Nisswa Guide's League. He also served on the Baxter City Council and was a past Mayor of Baxter as well. He was active on the Crow Wing Power Board, DAV, VFW, and the Military Order of the Purple Heart.

Ron will be missed by his wife, Susan; his daughters, Jorun (Anders) Nilsson, of Winthrop, MA, Jenel (Jon) Boller, of Merrifield, MN, Wendy (Marco) Martinez, of White Bear Lake, MN, Kara (Terry) Carper, of Baxter, MN, and Lisa (Shane) Fett, of Sartell, MN; seven grandchildren, Jonny Boller, Jason Boller, Sophia Fett, Kristoffer Martinez, Anna Carper, Isaac Fett, and Carlos Martinez; sister, Carol (Larry) Kargel, of Lexington, KY; and sister/cousin, Lynda Bowman, of West Lake Village, CA. He was preceded in death by his parents.