Keith Ronning

Keith Ronning passed away peacefully at home with family by his side on February 28, 2022 at the age of 94.  Keith was born April 11, 1927 the youngest of nine children of Ole and Sophie Ronning.

Through his youth, Keith’s family relocated a number of times, starting from a farm in southwestern Minnesota to farms near Hendrum, Dilworth, and Wadena and eventually to a farm near Audubon, Minnesota.  Keith attended country schools in Clay County and Wadena County and the Audubon Public School in Audubon.  As a teen Keith helped on the family farm and on neighboring farms.  He also took jobs picking potatoes near Sabin and working for the Addison-Miller Ice Company harvesting ice on Big Detroit Lake.

Keith was united in marriage to Elizabeth (Betty) Kohler on September 17, 1950.  Keith continued to work on the family farm and worked for Hallett Construction before he and Betty purchased the family farm. They farmed there until 1997.  After retirement, Keith enjoyed being outside working on projects. When he wasn’t outside, his favorite pastime was reading.  He often shared history through his oral accounts, not only of his life, but the lives and experiences of many others.

Keith is preceded in death by Elizabeth, an infant son Wendlin, his parents, all his siblings, a number of nieces and nephews, and dear friends.

He is survived by three sons, Randy, Greg and Jeff and one daughter Lori (Mike).  Keith is also survived by four grandsons Nathan (Raimy), Steven (Julie), Eric (Angela), and Noah, and one granddaughter Morgan (Justin), and by six great-grandchildren Palmer, Jaysa, Max, Finn, Clara and Sophie, and by nieces and nephews.

The family expresses their gratitude to all who enriched Keith’s life through the years.  Our appreciation to Sue Mayfield with HomeInstead Senior Care for her dedicated care and friendship with our father.  Thank you to the Perham Health team for their diligent efforts to help Keith during his recent health disorder.

In lieu of flowers or memorial donations, the family is honored by your presence, in person or in thought, at the memorial service.