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Ronald A. “Ron” Ruen

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Ronald A. “Ron” Ruen

Birth	:	28 Sep 1945 Battle Creek, Calhoun County, Michigan, USA
Death	:	14 Feb 2020 Decorah, Winneshiek County, Iowa, USA
Burial	:	Lutheran Cemetery, Decorah, Winneshiek County, USA
Coordinate	:	43.2987130, -91.7774110
Description	:	Ron Ruen passed on Friday, February 14, 2020 at Barthell Eastern Star Nursing Home with complications from the degenerative neurological brain disease, Olivopontocerebellar Atrophy, a shrinkage of the cerebellum and brain stem. It is believed that he suffered from this disease as a result of exposure to Agent Orange, a defoliar toxin, while drafted in Viet Nam. Research shows that Ron could have exhibited beginning symptoms 20 years prior, with the past ten revealing more obvious degeneration affecting his balance, mobility, speech, swallowing, mood, and other functions. Ronald A. Ruen was born on September 28, 1945, in Battle Creek,... Read More	Ron Ruen passed on Friday, February 14, 2020 at Barthell Eastern Star Nursing Home with complications from the degenerative neurological brain disease, Olivopontocerebellar Atrophy, a shrinkage of the cerebellum and brain stem. It is believed that he suffered from this disease as a result of exposure to Agent Orange, a defoliar toxin, while drafted in Viet Nam. Research shows that Ron could have exhibited beginning symptoms 20 years prior, with the past ten revealing more obvious degeneration affecting his balance, mobility, speech, swallowing, mood, and other functions. Ronald A. Ruen was born on September 28, 1945, in Battle Creek, MI, the son of Otto and Laila (Thorsen) Ruen, while his father was in military service. Ron was educated in Decorah schools where he excelled in academics and band. He graduated from Luther College with honors, majoring in history and the Classics (Greek and Latin). After graduation Ron was drafted to Viet Nam where he was eventually injured, medevacked, and honorably discharged with a purple heart. Ron worked with his father, Otto, and brother, Mark, in their Decorah family business, Ruen Furniture. After 25 years of commitment, Ron enjoyed his “retirement jobs” at Henzler’s Garden Shop, and then at Ladybug Landscapes until his illness prevented it. He also enjoyed working at Evergreen Hills Christmas Tree Farm with his in-laws. Ron loved nature and the tree-covered hills of northeast Iowa. He spent decades riding his bike on gravel roads and mountain bike trails, cross-country skiing in many locations, and hiking wherever he could find a path. He participated in the early years of RAGBRAI beginning in 1973, in “century” rides of 100 miles in one day, in local mountain bike time trials, and in two biking trips to England and Ireland. He also skied in the Birkebeiner races for many years. Ron had an exceptional memory. He would easily recall historical events and dates, baseball history, names of people, and Decorah facts and genealogy. Ron spoke often about “the blessedness of the ordinary.” Those who remain are: his wife, Judy Tjossem; sons-by-marriage, Shaun (Jill) Tjossem, with Grace, Gabe, and Gavin of Richland Center, WI, and Logan (Jaime) Tjossem, with Rylee, Carley, and Kaelyn of Rochester, MN; Ron’s brother, Mark (Nancy), and his niece, Kari (Clint) Koch, with Colton and Wyatt, all of Decorah; and niece, Erica (Peter) Lea, with Kirsten, Simon, and Jack of Ankeny; along with his cousins; also, father-in-law, Lawrence Tjossem; Judy’s siblings: Cindy (Roman) Tjossem Mychajlyszyn and Steve (Kari) Tjossem with Kirsten Tjossem and Tanner (Mollie) Tjossem, all of Decorah; Dr. Greg (Karen) Tjossem with Andrew (Alli) Tjossem and Henrik, of Ft. Collins, CO; Judy’s aunt and uncle, Marv and Bunni Cooper, and aunt, Myrna Mardock, all of Decorah. Ron was preceded in passing by his parents, Otto (age 100) and Laila; and his grandson-by-marriage, Kaden Tjossem (age 5), from bone cancer. Thanks to the Barthell Eastern Star entire staff for Ron’s exceptionally fine care. Thanks to Dr. Paul Wenner, Nurse Practitioner Kathy Petersburg, Speech Therapists LeAnn Uhlenhake and Courtney Brinck for support. Thanks, also, to Winneshiek Medical Center Hospice, especially Sandy Bishop, nurse, and Richard Simon Hanson, Chaplain, for competent and loving care. Thanks to Fjelstul Funeral Home. Very special thanks to our friends. There is much appreciation to all who showed kindness and caring. As per Ron’s request, there will be no service. Cards/memorials may be sent to 709 Valley View Drive, Decorah. Memorials will be donated to Decorah Bicycles for children who need bikes, helmets, or service. Fjelstul Funeral Home.

frequently asked questions (FAQ):

Where is Ronald A. “Ron” Ruen's memorial?
Ronald A. “Ron” Ruen's memorial is located at: Lutheran Cemetery, Decorah, Winneshiek County, USA.
When did Ronald A. “Ron” Ruen death?
Ronald A. “Ron” Ruen death on 14 Feb 2020 in Decorah, Winneshiek County, Iowa, USA
Where are the coordinates of the Ronald A. “Ron” Ruen's memorial?
Latitude: 43.2987130
Longitude: -91.7774110

Family Members:

Parent

Otto Alwin Ruen

(1915 - 2016)

Laila Pauline Thorsen Ruen

(1917 - 1985)

Flowers:

Nearby Cemetories:

1. Lutheran Cemetery
Decorah, Winneshiek County, USA
Coordinate: 43.2987130, -91.7774110

2. Phelps Cemetery
Decorah, Winneshiek County, USA
Coordinate: 43.2908150, -91.7830920

3. Saint Benedict Cemetery
Decorah, Winneshiek County, USA
Coordinate: 43.2835999, -91.7818985

4. Freeport Cemetery
Freeport, Winneshiek County, USA
Coordinate: 43.3006000, -91.7430000

5. Aasa Haugen Home Cemetery
Winneshiek County, USA
Coordinate: 43.2698330, -91.8421110

6. North Washington Prairie Pioneer Cemetery
Washington Prairie, Winneshiek County, USA
Coordinate: 43.2560997, -91.7236023

7. Union Prairie Cemetery
Winneshiek County, USA
Coordinate: 43.2585983, -91.8368988

8. Canoe German Methodist Church Cemetery
Winneshiek County, USA
Coordinate: 43.3529000, -91.7358000

9. Russell Cemetery
Winneshiek County, USA
Coordinate: 43.3608017, -91.7885971

10. Washington Prairie Lutheran Church Cemetery
Washington Prairie, Winneshiek County, USA
Coordinate: 43.2378006, -91.7378006

11. Washington Prairie Norwegian Methodist Cemetery
Washington Prairie, Winneshiek County, USA
Coordinate: 43.2352982, -91.7433014

12. Glenwood Cemetery
Winneshiek County, USA
Coordinate: 43.2947998, -91.6760406

13. Bruvold Farm Cemetery
Nordness, Winneshiek County, USA
Coordinate: 43.2221968, -91.7509863

14. Springfield Cemetery
Winneshiek County, USA
Coordinate: 43.2221985, -91.8171997

15. McIntosh Cemetery
Winneshiek County, USA
Coordinate: 43.2696991, -91.8833008

16. Springwater Cemetery
Winneshiek County, USA
Coordinate: 43.3792000, -91.7431030

17. Madison Lutheran Church East Cemetery
Decorah, Winneshiek County, USA
Coordinate: 43.3133000, -91.8986000

18. Hauge Lutheran Cemetery
Decorah, Winneshiek County, USA
Coordinate: 43.3922000, -91.7740000

19. Canoe Ridge Cemetery
Winneshiek County, USA
Coordinate: 43.3537000, -91.6577000

20. Glenwood Lutheran Cemetery
Decorah, Winneshiek County, USA
Coordinate: 43.2817001, -91.6346970

21. Garfield Family Cemetery
Conover, Winneshiek County, USA
Coordinate: 43.2266900, -91.8846700

22. Pontoppidan Cemetery
Winneshiek County, USA
Coordinate: 43.2747002, -91.6339035

23. Madison Cemetery
Winneshiek County, USA
Coordinate: 43.3135986, -91.9233017

24. Scandinavian Methodist-Episcopal Cemetery
Washington Prairie, Winneshiek County, USA
Coordinate: 43.2695000, -91.6347000