Ronald Blondin

Ron grew up in Elmore attending elementary and high school there. He graduated in 1967 from Kiester High School after the family relocated. He furthered his education at the University of Minnesota with a double major in biology and mortuary science while working full-time nights at Norwest Banks in Minneapolis.He married Cathy Peterson in 1970 and later moved his young family to Rochester where he was a Funeral Director at Ranfranz Funeral Home for many years. He decided to change career paths and returned to college at Winona State University. After earning a degree in economics and finance he was employed as the Finance Director at Winona ORC Industries.Ron was the best big brother two little sisters could ever have. He was intelligent and curious and childhood days were never dull. He loved biology, botony, history, astronomy, art and music. He always had a new idea: insect collecting, coin and stamp collecting, numerous science "experiments", building crutches for all the neighborhood kids, yard and table games, roller skating, sledding and ice skating, and, of course, a funeral for every pet.He became a talented musician. After providing drum solos with table silverware at every meal, he was eventually given a full drum trap-set. He was the lead drummer in the high school bands and went on to perform at dances with a high school group of friends in a band called "The Guys".Over the years Ron formed many friendships. People enjoyed his sense of humor and quick wit. We all appreciated his knowledge unless he challenged you to join him working a cross-word puzzle or a game of Trivial Pursuit.Ron has always been thoughtful , kind and considerate of others. He was a very humble man and would be surprised by the outpouring of kind thoughts expressed since his death Tuesday evening.He posted a message in his room: "No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted." (Aesop).Ron performed many acts of kindness to family, friends and strangers throughout the years and was also blessed when this was reciprocated. We would like to thank family, friends, the staff of Traditions in Owatonna and Legends in Sartell, all the many healthcare providers and the Heartland Hospice staff for all the acts of kindness you have shown to Ron and our family throughout the years.We grieve now and miss Ron so much but we know he is at peace and in a better place.He is survived by his two sons; Patrik (fianc Teresa Kotte) Blondin of Fargo ND, and Michael Blondin of Clermont FL; grandchildren, Garrett and Reese Blondin of Sauk Centre; sisters, Diane (Larry) Olsen of St. Cloud, and Pat (John) Halverson of Lester Prairie.