October 4, 1949 – Tuesday, July 3, 2018

Service Information
St. Francis Xavier Catholic School
Monday, July 9th, 2018
11:00 A.M.

Visitation Information
AT THE SCHOOL
Monday, July 9th, 2018
ONE HOUR PRIOR

RONALD LEE THEN of Buffalo passed away on Tuesday, July 3rd, 2018 at Mercy Hospital in Coon Rapids at the age of 68, with his wife by his side.

He was born on October 4th, 1949 in Willmar to Theodore and Rosemary (Fedor) Then.

Ron graduated from Willmar High School in 1968. He attended the University of Minnesota and graduated in July of 1971 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. He was employed as a project engineer at Buhler Group in Plymouth for the last 32 years.

Ron met Janelle Renae Hanson in 1973 at a friend’s party. On September 15th, 1979, the two were joined in marriage at Calvary Lutheran Church in Willmar. God blessed their marriage with three children: Ashley, Stephanie and Kyle. Ron and his family belonged to St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Buffalo.

Ron will be remembered by his family and friends for his thoughtfulness in both words and deeds. In his spare time, he kept his mind sharp by mastering Sudoku puzzles. He enjoyed being outdoors on their eleven-acre hobby farm where he spent many hours mowing the lawn, planting trees, sitting outside with his dog Bailey and enjoying the beautiful view.

Ron was a proud father who always attended his children’s sporting events, near and far. He also made traditions out of traveling with friends, including annual fishing trips to Canada that spanned decades. His favorite destination was Las Vegas where he looked forward to catching up with friends, staying downtown, playing video poker and always hoping for that royal flush.

Ron lived his life for his family. He is survived by his loving wife of thirty-eight years: Janelle; his children: Ashley Then, Stephanie (and Rick) Grider and Kyle Then; his expectant grandson (Grider); his sisters: Sharon Then and Michelle Day; his nieces: Amanda and Briana Rodgers; and other relatives and friends.

Ron is preceded in death by his parents: Theodore and Rosemary Then, his sister: Lori Rodgers and his brother-in-law: Duane Day.

A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial for Ronald Lee Then will be held on Monday, July 9th at 11:00 A.M. at St. Francis Xavier Catholic School, 219 19th Street N.W., Buffalo, MN with a luncheon to follow. Father Nathaniel Meyers will be the Celebrant.

A visitation will be held on Monday, July 9th from 10:00 A.M. to 11:00 A.M., prior to the service.

A private interment will be held at St. Francis Cemetery.