Ronald R. Aanerud, age 76, of Waubun, MN, passed away unexpectedly Friday, September 23, 2016, at the St. Mary's Hospital in Rochester, MN, surrounded by his family.

Ronald Richard was born in a log house in rural Waubun on October 24, 1939, the 3 rd son to Victor and Millie (Miller) Aanerud. He attended the local Espe County School until 8 th grade followed by Waubun High School, graduating in 1958. Ronnie joined the US Army and served in both Texas and Korea, receiving an honorable discharge in 1961. After dating for many years, Ron married his high school sweetheart, Betty Espe, in 1962. The couple lived in Minneapolis, MN, for three years before moving to Ron's home farmstead east of Waubun, where they raised their family of three children. Ron raised beef cattle and returned to school at the age of 30 to learn the refrigeration trade. He continued to farm and raise beef in addition to having his own refrigeration business. His refrigeration work varied greatly, ranging from household appliances to farm bulk tanks to commercial store units. The best part was always visiting with people and having a cup of coffee to see if whatever unit he worked on was working properly. Ronnie never actually retired only scaled back as he was currently still making house calls. He was creative and always able to find unique answers to problems in his work and projects.

Ron was a very devoted husband and father and thoroughly enjoyed his family. He was involved in many aspects of their lives, helping his children and grandchildren whenever possible. He was a faithful member of Lake Grove Lutheran Church and served in many positions in the church. Ron was also a member of the Gideon's and had become interested in end time prophecy. Ron had many hobbies including hunting, scuba diving, blueberry picking, and traveling but his favorite pastime was visiting with friends and neighbors. Each of these making many fond memories each and every time. Over the years, Ron and Betty enjoyed traveling; taking many trips around the U.S. and two trips to Europe. On a trip to Norway, he was able to go elk (Norwegian Elk) hunting with relatives in the same woods his grandfather walked as a young man. The past several winters, Ron and Betty had wintered in Texas.

Ron is survived by Betty, his wife of 54 years; children: Richard (Laura) of Montevideo, MN, Ronda (Clint Sr.) Olson of Ogema, MN and Rita Scholl of LaPorte, MN; ten grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; sister, Barbara (Mick) McCard of Cheyenne, WY; brothers-in-law, Lewis "Chub" Cox of Mahnomen; and Harold (Terri) Espe of Ogema; sisters-in-law: Geri Aanerud of Waubun, Pat Aanerud of Carlton, MN, and Nancy (Dave) Decock of Fargo, ND; and two very special exchange students, Lourdes and Adriana and many nieces and nephews.

Ron is preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Gordon and Allan; son-in-law, Paul Scholl; sisters-in-law: Janice Cox, Shirley Hedstrom, Donnis Aanerud and brothers-in-law, Orrin Espe and Harry Degroat.

Funeral services were held Saturday, October 1, 2016, at 2 pm at Lake Grove Lutheran in rural Waubun, MN. Visitation was held Friday, September 30, 2016, from 5-7 pm with a prayer service at 6:30 pm at the Anderson Family Funeral Home in Mahnomen.