Ronald Carl Fabian

Ronald C. Fabian was born October 13, 1935, to Carl and Doris (Smith) Fabian in Winona, MN. He was baptized on December 15, 1935, at Ridgeway Methodist Church in Winona County and died April 15, 2025, after a courageous 20-year battle with Parkinson’s Disease, at Lake Winona Manor.

He was a lifelong resident of Winona County.

Ron is survived by his wife, Joan (Henderson) Fabian. They were married November 21, 1952, in Winona, MN, and were married for 72 years.

He is further survived by two sons, Dennis (Debbie) and Tom (Caroline); daughter, Debra (Steve) Waldee; daughter-in-law, Debra Fabian; sister, Rebecca Nyseth; three sisters-in-law, Betty Fritz, Janice Fort, and Sharon Nichols; 9 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; and 6 great-great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by two daughters, Christy Joan Fabian and Sandy Fabian Adams; son, Kent Brian Fabian; daughter-in-law, Kathy Fabian; two sons-in-law, Duane Adams and Kenny Rostad; grandson, Joseph Ronald Rostad; and great grandson, Ethan Matthew Fabian.

Ron began his working career at the age of 8 at the Winona Saddle and Bridle Club, working for Tom Kidd. The club was located at the end of the Winona Country Club (which is now The Bridges) where he groomed and cleaned horse stalls and helped train horses for horse shows where and rode and won many ribbons all around the country. At age 10, he started working at the golf course where his father was the superintendent. Ron mowed grass with a push mower, watered greens, and all the jobs that go with a golf course. He made $22.50 for a 60 – 80-hour work week, with a crew of 3 or 4 men. At the age of 17, he was named Golf Course Superintendent and worked there for 70 years, retiring at the age of 80. His first paycheck when he got married in 1952, was $37.04. Ron’s son, Dennis, was his Assistant Superintendent. His two sons, Kent and Tom, also worked there. Ron was a member of MGCSA for 60 years and a member of GCSAA for 49 years.

Ron began his music career at the age of 5 playing the accordion. At the age of 15, he started playing in several old time polka bands and continued till the age of 65. During this time, he also owned and operated Witoka Tavern and Ballroom and Valley Estate Sales.

Although Ron had a hard time communicating, his kids came to visit. Dennis visited on his lunch breaks 3 or 4 time a week, Debbie visited on Thursday for his Bingo games, and Tom and Caroline visited too. Ron gave such a big handshake, hugs, and a smile. He always asked when they would come again. He loved them so much and we will all miss him.

He had such unconditional love for his family. He was a great example of love and kindness and especially hard work. He leaves behind a legacy that his loved ones can be proud to carry on. He will be forever loved and cherished by all of his children.

“Across the years I will walk with you- in deep, green forests; on shores of sand: and when our time on earth is through, in heaven, too, you will have my hand.”

A funeral service for Ron will be held on Sunday, April 27, 2025, at 12pm at Hoff Celebration of Life Center (3480 Service Dr. Winona, MN) with visitation beginning at 10am. Ron will be laid to rest at Bush Cemetery in Dakota, MN.

Hoff Celebration of Life Center is assisting the family.