Ronald Wekesser

Ronald “Ron” G. Wekesser, 88, of Detroit Lakes, passed away on Monday, February 5, 2024, at his home.

Ron was born to Edward and Doris (Green) Wekesser in Omaha, NE, on May 27, 1935. He was baptized in Omaha and later confirmed at Sheridan Lutheran Church in Lincoln, NE. He enlisted in the United States Army on January 26, 1955, and was honorably discharged on January 24, 1958. After leaving the service, he met the love of his life, Erma Wekesser, and on October 25 of the same year, they were wed. To their union they welcomed four children: Mike, Mark, Deb, and Donna. 

Ron spent 16 ½ years working at American Stores in Lincoln, NE, where he weighed and received cattle for meat packing. In 1970, thinking that owning a resort would allow him time to hunt and fish, Ron and Erma decided to buy Wakanda Resort in Rochert, MN. He soon found out owning a resort was a lot of work and did not afford him as much free time as he would have liked, but together they kept it running for 26 years. During those years, the couple made many friends and would later travel with them after their retirement in 2000.

Ron enjoyed fishing, hunting, golfing, bowling, and taking Erma out on Friday and Saturday nights to go dancing. He was a collector of knickknacks, oil lamps, and watches. He also collected clocks, which he insisted hanging on every wall of the house. With Erma, he enjoyed traveling to Branson, MO, twice a year and taking cruises to Alaska and the Caribbean. 

Left to cherish Ron’s memory is his wife of 65 years, Erma; his children: Michael (Carol) Wekesser, Mark Wekesser, Debra Fry, and Donna (Rocky) Bruhn; his grandchildren: Grant Wekesser, Erik Wekesser, Alex Wekesser, Amber (Chase) Conley, Anthony (Kalli) Bruhn, Aaron (Elena) Fry, Makayla Fry, and Megen Fry; and his great-grandchildren: Jettson Conley, Hailey Fry, and Bentley, Decker, and Beckham Bruhn.

Preceding him in death were his parents; his infant brother; his aunt and uncle, Ruth and Jim Clement; his grandparents, Henry and Elizabeth Wekesser; his parents-in-law, Alfred and Esther Eggerling; and his son-in-law, Charlie Fry.

A time for visitation will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 10, 2024, at David-Donehower Funeral Service. Funeral services will begin at 4:00 p.m. with Pastor Bill Meyer officiating. Interment will follow at Oak Grove Cemetery.