Philip Alan Ronningen

Philip Alan Ronningen, 67 of Escondido, California and formerly of

Carpio, North Dakota died at his home on October 6, 2021.  Phil was

born on September 11, 1954 to Jerald and Ruth Ronningen in Minot,

North Dakota.  Very early in life, probably once he could eat beet

pickles with free abandon, he earned the lifelong nickname of

“Pickles”.  When he recently got an adorable puppy, she was lovingly

named Pickles.

Phil was a very charming, curly-haired blonde youngster who could talk

his way out of being in trouble by telling hilarious jokes and funny

stories or the go-to response of “Paul did it!”.  Although his

siblings still like to share the story of when Phil participated in

show and tell time in Sunday School by proudly revealing his pair of

new underwear. He enjoyed nature, science, fishing, hunting,

card/board games, and basketball (hoop affixed to the grain auger)

after helping on the family farm.  This included milking cows, picking

rocks from fields, driving the grain truck (feet may or may not have

reached the gas pedal), or whatever chores were assigned by Grandpa

Sig and Dad.  Some favorite childhood activities were going to Lake

Darling to fish from Grandpa’s homemade barrel pontoon, trekking to

Lake Mettigoshe for a Peterson relative camp out with the cousins

(where Phil was saved from a near-drowning), or taking a trip to the

North Dakota State Fair in Minot to go on carnival rides, play games,

and eat corn dogs.

Once graduated from Carpio High School in 1972, he parted shared

locales with his brother as he attended North Dakota State University

(NDSU) and Paul went to ‘that other place’ called University of North

Dakota in Grand Forks.  Phil completed undergrad studies in the School

of Pharmacy, NDSU in 1977 and NDSU Pharmacy Master’s Program with

Fargo VA Hospital residency in 1979.  When wanderlust struck, Phil

chided his mother Ruth while visiting home one weekend, by flipping a

coin laughing and saying “Heads I move to San Diego or Tails Florida”.

Mom thought having a job in San Diego prior to moving might be

prudent, but this just added to Phil’s teasing her.  Off he went to

San Diego where he worked for approximately 42 years as a Hospital

Pharmacist.  He was last employed as a Hospital Pharmacist at Scripps

Health in San Diego until his recent retirement in June of 2021.

San Diego matched Phil’s lust for life and he became a loyal fan to

both the SD Chargers, SD Padres, and SDSU Aztec Basketball. Phil

formed many close friendships, married, and became a father.  He and

his former wife Beverly Pierce had 2 children whom she and Phil adored

and loved beyond words.  Not only did he volunteer to help in their

schools, he did projects with them to enhance their learning such as

the ‘Vocabulary Word of the Day’ and took them on engaging life

experiences and trips.  Whether it was Hannah’s gymnastics, lacrosse,

cross country, or track, or Austin’s soccer, lacrosse, and other

activities; Phil was a proud and very involved dad who consistently

did everything in his power to ensure his kids the best childhood

possible. He and his children enjoyed walks on the beach with Pickles,

outings to their favorite Thai and sushi restaurants, and daily phone

conversations with one another.

Regular trips back to North Dakota, typically over 4th of July, gave

him a chance to share his native and beloved North Dakota with the

kids, plus provide bonding time with Grandparents, Aunties, and

Uncles.  Massive firework shows occurred usually at Blue Lake with

thrilled California kids (Austin and Hannah) shooting off fireworks,

which was not legal in San Diego.  In fact, Phil’s last trip to North

Dakota was this past July 2021 where many happy, fun, bonding

experiences were enjoyed with family and friends.  We hold dear these

memories as treasures.

Phil was determined, inquisitive, bright, an avid reader, thinker,

debater (could have been a great attorney), handyman and putterer,

comedian and humorist, a wonderful neighbor, friend, brother, uncle,

father……… a very good person.  As the saying goes, ‘You never know

what people are going through and sometimes the people with the

biggest smiles are struggling the most, so be kind.’   This was very

true of Philip’s life.  He had a long struggle with depression as well

as bipolar disorder. As family and friends, we grieve our loss of Phil

and all he means to us.  His struggle is over and we pray for his

peace and that he has received a big ‘Welcome Home dear Phil’

reception from Grandpa Jim and Grandma Ruth.

We will always keep you close in our heart Philip, and will never

forget the lessons you taught us or the laughs we shared with you.

Survived by his children: Austin Ronningen, Denver, CO and Hannah

Ronningen, Portland, OR; siblings Susan (Erv) Opsal, Alamo, ND, Paul

(Kristi) Ronningen, Bismarck, ND, and Lori Ronningen, Lincoln, ND. and

many beloved nephews, nieces, cousins, aunts.

Preceded in death by father Jerald Ronningen and mother Ruth Ronningen.

In lieu of flowers, if you wish you may donate to charity of your

choice, such as the Alzheimer’s Association or the American

Association for Suicide Prevention.