Ronald Jon Ender

1964 - 2025

Ronald Jon Ender

June 19, 1964 - May 8, 2025

Ronald Jon Ender died unexpectedly on Thursday May 8, 2025 in Corvallis, Oregon. He was born on June 19, 1964 to Mahlan and Ardelle Ender of La Crosse, Wisconsin. He was 60 years old.

Ron grew up in La Crosse and spent summers at his family's cabin in rural southeast Minnesota. He graduated from Central High School in 1982. Ron attended college at UW-Madison, graduating with bachelor's and master's degrees in Mechanical Engineering. He made his home in Corvallis, Oregon where he had a 30-year career with Hewlett Packard working on inkjet printers and related technology. He loved collaborating with his colleagues, and was proud to be named alongside them on more than 30 U.S. patents.

Ron was fun-loving and adventurous, kind and warm-hearted, and had a great sense of humor. He loved living in Oregon and had many interests outside of work. He was an enthusiastic motorcycle rider and enjoyed tinkering with his fleet. As a member of the Flat Mountain Riders Association, he helped maintain trails and access in local forests and wild lands. The Alsea hills and Starker Forests were favorite places to hit the trails with friends. Ron always enjoyed water sports, canoeing and camping. He loved to sail his retro Lido sailboat and crew with friends on race nights at Fern Ridge Reservoir. Another favorite activity was camping in the Alvord Desert and racing wind-powered land yachts. He had been a Battlebot competitor, was an expert "garagineer," and could fix most anything. He liked to spend time helping his cousin Sarah Edwardsson and her husband Ken work on their farm outside Corvallis. He played bass in the "Red Horse Band," was a great singer and enjoyed having beers with friends.

Ron was an active member of Heart of the Valley Homebrewers Association. He was a valued volunteer at their annual Septembeerfest event, a benefit for the Linn-Benton Food Share and other local charities.

Ron was married to Kristina Lange of Corvallis for 20 years. He was preceded in death by his father Mahlan Ender. He is survived by his mother Ardelle Ender, brother David (Tami) Ender of Lake City, Minnesota and sister Mary (Andy) Stutesman of La Crosse. Ron was a beloved uncle to many nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, and grand-nephews. He cherished each day spent working and relaxing at the family cabin, and every evening spent around the campfire with those he loved.

Ron's friends and their families are invited to celebrate his life at a picnic on Thursday, June 19th at Adair Park. We will be gathering at Shelters A and B from 4 to 8 pm, with barbecue served at 6 pm. You are welcome to bring a dish to share and your beverage of choice. Soft drinks will be provided.

Donations in Ron's memory can be sent to Riders for Health, the charity he named in his will. www.riders.org