Ronald "Ron" Joseph Veenker was born on April 4, 1951, in Windom, Minnesota to the late Arthur John and Doris Melvina (Smith) Veenker. He received his education in the Windom Public School system where he participated in a number of different sports, including wrestling, tennis and the "Golden Gloves" boxing program. He graduated with the Class of 1969. Ron enlisted in the US Navy on November 4, 1969. On November 7, 1970, Ron was united in marriage to Catherine Mary Benson at the St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Windom. After marriage, they made their home in Norfolk, Virginia. He was later honorably discharged, and they returned to the Windom area. Three children were born to this marriage, John, Amy and Scott. For many years, Ron worked for Benson Office Supply before becoming a part owner and the CFO of Balzer, Inc. in Mt. Lake. On January 21, 2015, Ron retired. After retiring, Ron continued to live in rural Bingham Lake until becoming suddenly ill on Monday, October 28, 2019 and passed away at his home at the age of 68 years. Ron and Cathie were longtime members of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Windom where they were youth leaders and marriage counselors in their younger years. Ron was involved in his community as a 4-H leader, member of the American Legion Post #206 where he also served as vice-commander, member and president of the Windom Area Chamber of Commerce, long time member of Windom Lion's Club, Benson Office Supply softball team player and captain, president of Windom's softball league, and member of the men's pool league and the gun club in Windom. Ron will be remembered for his enjoyment of youth sports activities, time spent with friends and family, and fun times at the Veenker cabin. A much-loved, well-respected, fair-minded, self-made man, Ron was the embodiment of "still waters that run deep". His perseverance, tenacity, humility, kind heart and laughter will remain with those who knew and loved him. Ron is survived by his wife of forty-eight years, Cathie Veenker of Bingham Lake; three children, John (Staci) Veenker of Windom; Amy (Steve) Gould of Delano; Scott (Aimee) Veenker of Windom; eight grandchildren, Jenna, Hailey and Jackson Veenker, Danielle, William, and Katya (Tyler) Gould, Claire and Ben Veenker; sister Pat Thornton of Toronto, brother Tom (Harriet) Veenker of Aitkin, sister-in-law, Kathy Veenker of Windom; and several nieces and nephews. Ron is preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Richard (Alice) Veenker and Gerald (Rose) Veenker; infant sister, Jeannie Marie and nephew, Randy Veenker.