Philip Ronningen

1954 - 2021

Philip Ronningen

Philip Alan Ronningen, 67 of Escondido, California and formerly of Carpio, North Dakota died at his home Oct. 6, 2021. A memorial service will be held Tuesday, Oct. 19 in the San Diego area. A summer memorial will occur in North Dakota. Phil was born Sept. 11, 1954 to Jerald and Ruth Ronningen in Minot. 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 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 two 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, Colo., and Hannah Ronningen, Portland, Ore.; siblings Susan (Erv) Opsal, Alamo, Paul (Kristi) Ronningen, Bismarck, and Lori Ronningen, Lincoln; 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.

Condolences may be sent to family representative Lori Ronningen, 2982 Whitlow Street, Lincoln, ND 58504

(Berry-Bell & Hall Fallbrook Mortuary, Inc. – Fallbrook)