Ronald Stevens

Ronald Allan Stevens, 80, of Winona passed away on May 25 at his home.

Ron was unexpectedly diagnosed with stage 4 non-smoking lung cancer in 2021. During the last 3 ½ years Ron showed courage and dignity while staying strong during his many treatments at Mayo Health LaCrosse.

Born in rural North Dakota to Alma (Bergstad) and Kenneth Stevens, Ron was the oldest of four children. From a very early age he enjoyed being his dad’s eager helper working in the prairie fields and barn while picking up many beneficial skills that can be learned while farming. Life for him on the farm was ideal. While attending his local high school, Ron took correspondence courses in addition to the regular classroom curriculum and eventually was the first in his family to attend college.

While attending the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks, he chose to major in sociology. After completing his undergraduate degree he was hired in the graduate department as a research and teaching assistant. He discovered his love of teaching. While working in that role he met Diane Hanson, another graduate student. They soon decided to spend their lives together and Ron accepted an offer to teach sociology at Winona State University. He and Diane were married at Red River Lutheran Church in rural Kennedy, Minnesota in August of 1968. Three days later they moved from one corner of the state to another and settled in beautiful Winona where Ron began his rewarding career as a Professor of Sociology. His dedication to students along with his ability to collaborate with colleagues were skills that were much appreciated for many years.

During the next years, Aaron and Alex were born. Their home on Kansas Street was a welcoming busy hub of activity, always full of the children’s classmates, teammates, neighbors and friends. Hundreds of hours were spent playing football, basketball and baseball across the street in Sinclair Park and at the Central playground. Ron made every effort to attend as many of the games and events in which his sons were involved, and still found time to be on the Montessori Board, a Cub Scout leader, and PTA President at Central Elementary.

While at Winona State Ron had the opportunity to study global health care at the International Summer School in Oslo, Norway. That experience was a benefit for the entire family, who spent two summers abroad with him. They were able to develop friendships with students from around the world and visit relatives throughout Scandinavia. Back at WSU, Ron would develop classes in Medical Sociology and Scandinavian Culture. He would return to Norway to study at Peace Research International-Oslo and that experience translated into a class on Mediation and Conflict Resolution at WSU. Ron retired in 2004 but remained involved with the University post-retirement. He and his longtime friend and colleague, Jim Reynolds, were instrumental in implementing the very successful Retiree Center that remains on campus today. (see https://openriver.winona.edu/livinghistoryproject/2/ )

Ron was incredibly active in the community. He spent many hours volunteering and assisting with Habitat For Humanity, Theatre du Mississippi, Great River Shakespeare Festival, Frozen River Film Festival and too many others to list. He was a member of the Sons of Norway and the Viking Magazine continues to be read at home. Ron was very good working with his hands. He was often undertaking projects at home as well as fixing things on his many, many trips to the family farm. Ron was a friend and neighbor who was always willing to assist others if needed. Ron and Diane enjoyed their couples’ book club, attending arts events, and leisurely spending time on their communal houseboat on the Mississippi.

Ron was a wonderful husband, father, brother, relative and friend to many and will be profoundly missed. Ron is lovingly survived by his wife of 55 years, Diane, sons Aaron and Alex, brothers Don (Candyce) and Corey, brothers-in-law James Ryan (Ardie-deceased) and Dave Hanson (Dianne), nephews and nieces Steffen (Ali) Anneli (Mason) Jens (Jenny) Jules, Jessica, Maria and Corinna, great nephews and nieces Cyrus, Etta, Emerson, Amelia and Oscar. He was preceded in death by his parents Kenneth and Alma, sister Ardie, Diane’s parents Howard and Jean, sister Lynne.

Per Ron’s request, there will be no funeral. To honor his life please consider a memorial to the American Cancer Society (donate.cancer.org) or to Mayo Clinic Cancer Research (philanthropy.mayoclinic.org) or to an organization of your choice.

Thank you to Dr. Jonathan Ticku and his staff at Mayo La Crosse for the excellent care Ron received and to the Winona Health Hospice for being compassionate, caring and helpful in our home. Thank you to all who have been supportive in any way during this difficult journey as well.

Visit https://www.winonapost.com/community/obituaries/stevens-ron/article_a188e2ec-28c9-11ef-8ecc-ab5d243e6c94.html
 for an obituary with additional information