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Odd Ronning Obituary

Odd Knut Ronning

1918 - 2014 BECKET Odd Knut Ronning, 96, former Export Manager in charge of Foreign Sales at the Beloit Corporation in Dalton, died at his home in Becket last Wednesday. Many knew him as the dashing husband of radio and television comedy writer and actress, Peg Lynch, (he was once voted "New York's Handsomest Husband" by Radio and TV Magazine)--the welcoming, generous host, the ever-so-slightly formal but always jovial man who, to everyone's delight, played the piano and sang old time American standards in Norweigan, who would never let you sit there with an empty glass, the man who listened when you spoke, who stood up when you entered the room, who held doors open for ladies, the man who was at ease in any situation, a well-dressed, polite and perfectly groomed true gentleman, one you'd be grateful and proud to have on your arm, anywhere. I remember all these things about him, but I will also remember him as just plain Daddy. A devoted son, then husband, father and grandfather, uncle and even fourth cousin by marriage---"family" was everything to Odd Knut. We could do no wrong in his eyes. Ever. My father was born on June 6, 1918, in Oslo, Norway, where he attended local schools, often on skis. After a stint working at a paper company in Skotfos, he moved north in 1938 to Trondheim to study mechanical engineering at the Technical University of Norway, where he was the popular head of the Student Council. His studies were interrupted on April 9, 1940, when he awoke to see German soldiers marching down the street -- the beginning of their occupation of Norway which would continue until 1945. He and many of his fellow engineering students were hauled out of bed by the Gestapo and taken to nearby Falstad, a former prison turned concentration camp which was to hold several thousand prisoners of war, Jews, Gypsies, homosexuals, political prisoners - anyone the Nazis didn't care for, including an American poker-player and an English lord who had been unlucky enough to find themselves in Norway when the war broke out and for whom Odd Knut, his English being excellent -- his Norwegian father had spent time in North Dakota -- later acted as translator (and I imagine fellow card player). After my father's release from Falstad, due to a combination of his father's petitioning and it being Hitler's birthday, he joined the Norwegian Underground and took part in numerous acts of sabotage, including the destruction of the Nazi-commandeered ferryboat carrying heavy water and components bound for Germany across Lake Tinnsjo. He completed his mechanical engineering degree after the war, secured a student visa, and, in 1946, traveled to New York aboard the liner the S.S. Stavangerfjord, where, before heading up to Syracuse University, he found a phone booth, found a dime, and politely called his third cousin, Peg, to say "hello" at her Gramercy Park apartment, as per his parents' instructions. My mother, frantically busy as usual at her typewriter writing a script at the time, her 15-minute radio comedy series, Ethel and Albert, was on five days a week, grabbed the phone. "Odd Knut from Norway!" she heard, in a thick accent. My father identified himself a few more times before Peg stopped saying "What? Who??," after which he heard her put her hand over the phone and in a (slightly) muffled voice, call out: "Mother? It's some cousin from Norway! Do we have enough lamb chops to ask him for dinner?" My parents were married on Aug. 12, 1948. I doubt that a day went by, since that moment at the Little Church Around the Corner in Manhattan, that my father still couldn't quite believe his good fortune in snaring his "Peggy." A master's degree at the College of Forestry, Pulp and Paper Department from Syracuse University in 1949 was followed by a year in Norway working for the Union Paper Company in Skien, after which Odd joined the E.D. Jones and Sons Company in Dalton (later becoming the Beloit Corporation, Dalton Division) in 1950. By now an American citizen, he and Peg settled first in Bronxville, N.Y., then Stamford, then Fairfield, Conn., before moving to Becket in 1970. Odd Knut officially retired in 1986 and, when he was not studying Consumer Reports or reading Norwegian newspapers or tending his beloved twenty-eight acres, planting, weeding, sweeping pine needles off the drive, he devoted his days to traveling back to Norway, accompanying my mother when she performed at radio and television conventions around the States (the last one as recently as 2012), and visiting me and my family at our home in England. A firm believer in the highly questionable theory that "Vikings don't get sick," it was only in the last six or seven years that my father began to wind down and "indoors in front of CNN" began to have more appeal than tramping up and down pruning the euonymous hedge. He is survived by his wife, his "Marvelous Peggy," one daughter, me, Astrid King, one son-in law, the composer Denis King, and one grandson, Alexander King. All of whom will miss him every day. And who wish his Viking longship safe passage.

Published by The Berkshire Eagle on Jul. 6, 2014.
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Memories and Condolences
for Odd Ronning

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I too remember very well the amazing Odd Ronning! I also atteneded the NYS College of forestry in the pulp and paper program but as I graduated in 1952 , I did not know Odd then. We met when I went to work at ED Jones in Pittsfield and had many fine and memorable times with Odd. Later in my Beloit career when I became VP of Sales in Canada and the US and then president of Beloit Brazil, we met at various conventions and Beloit affairs and I remember well his high spirits and wonderful demeanor. I will always remember Odd as one of my finest associate and friend at Beloit Thanks for bringing back to me the fine memories of Odd.

Howard Rothe

July 1, 2022

To have these memories in your heart Astrid is a very lovely place to go sit and enjoy at times. I do the same, chat with dad, argue with mom, and read about family seeing them through my eyes and yours. Thank you.

Jerry Renning

Family

July 1, 2021

in memory to my Norwegian Viking friend and mentor and his family

Andres Ostos

July 1, 2019

So sorry to hear of Odd's death. My dad Art Chase told many stories of the times they visited with Peg and Odd. Peg and Dad were first cousins. Our condolences to all your family.

Linda Chase Schuster

August 27, 2014

Harry & I only got to visit with Odd a few times because we lived so far away, but Odd was always very sincere and very hospitable to us and we thoroughly enjoyed talking with him. He was Harry's favorite long-distant relative.

Ruth H. Fisher

August 25, 2014

So sorry that family and friends lost Odd Ronning in July. As we have spoken, we lost Frank "Bud" Renning on 8-13-14.
Let me know if you do not have the Descendants of Jens Jensen Kjelstrrup that Joan Arthur mailed me. It's very complete and very interesting.

Jerry Renning

August 25, 2014

To the family of Odd Knut Ronning:

I ran across this lovely obituary, obviously written by a loving daughter and would like to extend my condolences on your father's passing.

I have been fortunate to have published my ancestor's stories (Two works; one my Grandmother, and the second, my Mother and Father)and loved hearing of all the old stories of how I came to be. It appears you are of a like spirit in recounting the journey of your treasured family.

I commend you on the wonderful obituary; it was well written, concise and entertaining. I'm sure he would have appreciated your efforts in showing him to be an educated, hard working man of principles and conscience and love. I pray you and your family receive swift healing and peace of mind in his passing. May your memories sustain you until you meet again.

Dell Anne Hines Afzal

August 22, 2014

Peg and Lisa, so sorry to hear about Odd. I am Bernadine and Walts oldest granddaughter, Debbie. I talked to Peg today. I have visited you guys twice in Mass and I think you were at my grandparents once twice when we were there visiting also. I remember a couple of the collies. I remember Odd being very nice to me and my family on our last visit which was about 25 years ago when I also visited Aunts Honey and Elise. I am looking forward to my visit with Peg sometime in the fall to catch up on the family.

Debbie Furmanski (Quist)

July 26, 2014

He sounded like an incredible person. My father, Al Hoskeer worked with him at Beloit Jones long ago. And he also spent time in Norway.
My condolences to all his loved ones.

Bonnie Hoskeer Kirchner

July 8, 2014

What a wonderful obituary written for what sounds to be a remarkable man. I felt like I was reading the back of a very intriguing novel. Perhaps there is more story to be told? I am sorry for your loss. Odd sounded like a remarkable, inspirational person.

JB

July 8, 2014

Our deepest sympathies to Peg, your family and the whole household. We enjoyed every minute of our visits with both Peg and Odd, and hope Odd's spirit finds his way 'home' and at peace. Blessings to you all!

Anne Hughes

July 7, 2014

Dear Peg and family... I was Odd's secretary at Beloit. He remains an amazing individual. It was a pleasure to come to work every day and listen to his many adventures. I remember coming to your house when my daughters were little. It was tremendous fun with your collies as well. Sorry to hear he has departed but I am grateful to have had the opportunity to have known the both of you. What a beautiful tribute from a daughter to her Dad. Prayers to you.

Michele Burro

July 7, 2014

I know I have not been neither around there nor lately for different reasons... I am Andres Ostos Rueda nephew of decease Francisco Rueda Labarbe....

Indeed they loved each other since the 70's when sarted with Beloit Jones, an so I did starting in 1975.

I loved OK of course, who would not, love Peg, Astrid, the family, the dogs everybody was just to warm and friendly even with Peg asking me to quit smoking..

ODD is in my heart, Peg indeed, Astrid probably do not remember me because she was to busy preparing that wonderful wedding.

We need more people like you guys in this world!

Wont forget him, rather he will have a room in my heart...

Have no words to say how much I owe him that I know now , starting with his personality and kindness, and in Jones he forged me big time...

he will be around I know...

Andres Ostos Rueda

July 7, 2014

I worked with Odd at ED Jones from 1961 until 1963 and later during my 29 years with Beloit Corporation, we crossed paths in Beloit Wis. , Montreal and other places.

He was always a gentleman and lots of fun to be with and easy and comfortable and very capable to work with.

His stories always were exciting and wonderfully told.

Howard Rothe

July 7, 2014

Dear Peg, Astrid and family,

I am so sorry for your loss. As you know, it has been my pleasure to have known Odd this last couple of years. He was indeed a gentle and humble man and my life is richer for him being in it. I will think of him every time I have an Aquavit. SKOL, Odd!

Carol Ann Wells

July 7, 2014

Although I don't think I ever met your father, from one daughter to another I hope our Viking fathers have had a chance to sit and toast one as their Viking longboats arrived in safe harbors! Skol! and Tak for sharing such a lovely tribute

Jeanne Persson Darby

July 6, 2014

what a wonderful tribute you wrote to a man with a fascinating life! So sorry for your loss.

July 6, 2014

My husband and I groomed those gorgeous collies for Peg and Knut for quite some time. He would be cleaning up any hair which escaped for days afterward. Our deepest sympathies.

joyce & bob WashnWag Mobile barnaby

July 6, 2014

Oh Lise Astrid, this is absolutely absolutely absolutely beautiful. Thank you for your magical words. Your father will live on in the hearts of all those who were privileged to know him. In my memories he will always be able to give his favorite toast (in Norwegian) "Skal to you, skal to me, and skal to all the pretty ladies!" Tusen takk, Hyggelig a mote Dem, dear sir, and God natt.

Laurie Hughes

July 6, 2014

I found this write up to be so very interesting and well written with so much love behind it. My maternal grandparents were from Norway also, so I was compelled to read his obituary. I'm very sorry for your loss.

Connie Gray Gray

July 6, 2014

I will always have fond memories of the world traveler who brought me spoons from far away places. He was a very special man. Our love and prayers go out to his family.
Michael & Kathy (Magnin) Hazen

July 6, 2014

Dearest Peg & family, sorry to hear that your dear Odd passed...My thoughts & prayers are with you all...May the wonderful memories of your life together live on forever in a day...

Debra Ann Carlson-Farrell

July 6, 2014

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