Robert John Ronningen

Robert (BOB) John Ronningen peacefully passed away January 5th at home. He will be met at the Golden Gates by Son’s Jeffery and Douglas, as well as Grandson’s Nicholas and Anthony. Bob was born on August 10, 1944 in Pine Island, Minnesota at his parent’s home, Olaf Klifford and Alice Nora Ronningen. Bob graduated from Pine Island High School. Bob, during Vietnam War was in Korea, worked for Wonder Bread (1967-69) & Letter Carrier at US Postal Service (1969-1999) Married-Divorced Pauline Williams 1969-1981. He had two son’s, Michael and Jeffrey.
Bob carried the mail for the Rochester Postal Service for 30 years. On his Postal Route he met a good friend Betty who made him home made doughnuts. On December 30, 1983, Elizabeth (Betty) and Bob were married at Bethel Lutheran Church and have spent 37 years together enjoying life.
He was active in Bethel Lutheran Church, Antique Automobile Club of America (AACA), Viking Region AACA, Vintage Chevrolet Club of America (VCCA) Viking Region VCCA, Dodge Brothers Club, “Island Classics “Car Club, Eyota American Legion, Voiture 327 of the 40 & 8, Veteran of Foreign War (VFW), Disabled American Veterans (DAV), Korean War Veterans Club (KWVC), Sons of Norway, 125 Live, and Home Federal travel group. Bob Retired from the Rochester US Postal Service in 1999.
His Hobbies were: Collecting and driving his vintage & classic automobiles, roaming antique stores, flea markets and swap meets, spending time with his Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren. He enjoyed traveling the country with old cars, 25 Dodge in Rocky Mountains, Michigan sand dunes & Bluff out of Lacrosse, 40 Chevy toured Arizona Drove 55 Chevy to Louisville, Kentucky and back for the 75th anniversary of AACA. Bob and Betty enjoyed traveling with American Cruise lines and spent 30 years traveling to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico in January and February.
Survived by his wife, Elizabeth (Betty) Rochester; Children, Michael (Laura) Ronningen, Kasson, Lori Amundson, Champlin, MN. Bradley (Erin) Amundson, Maple Grove, Lois (Brian) Nelson, Blooming Prairie; Grandchildren, Rachel (Patrick) Pirner, Katie (Ethan) McClelland, Matthew Amundson, Alicia (Derek) Levno, Lynnae Nelson, Breea Amundson, Blake (Allison) Reuter; Great Grandchildren, Owen & Maren Levno, Jay Pirner, Lacey, Weston, and Hudson Reuter; Sisters, Lorraine Kispert, Carol (David) Spurbeck; Brother, Charlie Ronningen; Sister-in- Law, Geri (George) Peyton; as well as daughter-in-laws Mary Amundson and Tara Amundson.
Proceeded in death by Parents; Sons, Baby Ronningen, Jeffery Ronningen and Douglas Amundson; Grandson’s, Nicholas Ronningen and Anthony Nelson; Brother, Richard Ronningen; Sister, Marie Insco; brother-in-law, Steve Kispert.
There will be a private memorial service with military honors at Bethel Lutheran Church in Rochester. The family encourages everyone to wear Viking attire in memory of Bob. Pall bears will be the Grandchildren: Rachel Pirner, Katie McCelland, Matt Amundson, Alicia Levno, Lynnae Nelson and Breea Amundson.
Bob wishes to Thank his Wife and Caretaker, family and the Mayo Clinic Hospice.
In lieu of flowers memorials preferred to Mayo Clinic Hospice or individual choice.
Burial will be at Red Oak Grove Lutheran Cemetery, at a later date, 30456 Mower Freeborn Road, Rural Austin, MN

to watch the live streaming of the service follow this link https://youtu.be/t0FilU4KMhA