Ronald Sass Obituary
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Wendy Tentis
January 18, 2025
On the Anniversary of Mr. Sass going on to Heaven, I want to again tell his loved ones what a wonderful person he was. He was my 10th grade geometry teacher and taught me well so I received an A. May God bless his family and friends and until we meet again.
Lois Ylvisaker (Lutz)
May 8, 2018
Ron Sass was my 10th grade Geometry teacher. He inspired in me a love for mathematics that I went on and majored in mathematics.
David Knight
June 1, 2017
I was thinking about all the great coaches I had at White Bear High and St. Olaf College and was very saddened to see Coach Sass's obituary here. He was an incredible motivator and innovative track coach. I remember specifically how he had us working in the gym in the old round North campus building during indoor season as it snowed outside. He had great ideas and always put his athletes first. A great man who taught drive, discipline and most importantly the desire to succeed in life.
Scott Slocum
August 8, 2013
He was an inspiration. He'll be missed.
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Wendy Tentis
May 30, 2013
One of the best teachers I was lucky enough to have. Built up my self esteem and helped me feel I could do anything. A great person.
Terry Ciliske
February 23, 2013
Stacy and family. I still remember with great fondness all the times we spent Sunday afternoons at your home after broomball and all the time running track. Your dad was a wonderful man. So sorry to hear of your loss.
Sheryl Lee Olsen
February 22, 2013
oh, Stacy, I'm so sorry to hear about your father's death. as inevitable as it is, it changes the world. I remember when he was your "date" to Homecoming (or Snow Daze). so cool. my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. sheryl
David Baloga
February 11, 2013
Dear Sass Family,
Coach Sass is a legacy life coach for his teaching both on and off the track. I will never forget, when in my Sr HS year he pulled me aside and asked me why I was not going out for track. My lame answer was to work at the local grocery store- to save for a car. Ron's advise was: " son, you will work your whole life, but you can only run Track your Sr. year, once." That year, I earned my 3rd State medal in the Mile Relay- and the memories live on. My deepest condolences to the Sass and extended family.
- "Every morning in Africa, a Gazelle wakes up an knows it must outrun the fastest Lion or it will be killed. Every morning in Africa a Lion wakes up and knows it must run faster than the slowest Lion, or it will starve. So wether you are a Lion or a Gazelle, when the sun comes up, you better be running..."
Rest in Peace Coach!
David Baloga, (1/4 the mile relay club, WBL class of '79)
Mike Hickey
February 7, 2013
A wonderful man and role model. I too was on the team.
Kurt Hegland
January 31, 2013
My years on the track team were some of my best high school memories. Coach Sass was a positive and excellent role model.
Go Bears.
January 31, 2013
Dear Stacy and family, I was sad to read of your fathers passing. I fondly remember your family and especcially your sister Shelley. Dan and I send our condolences. I see your smile in your Dad's picture. Keep smiling!! love, Barb Nord Fritsche
Church photo
Don (Greig) Shephard
January 31, 2013
Ron or as we knew him.." Mr. Sass "
Was a wonderful teacher and coach. Taught math and lifes rules and how to deal with the people around you !
Marilyn Galloway
January 31, 2013
RJay, Becky, Caroline & Charlie,
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your father and grandfather. I also knew your Dad from my years spent in the hallways of WBLAHS in the early 80's. You always knew which teachers were well respected and they expected the most out of the student body. Mr. Sass was definitely in that category. I am sure his legacy and love for sports lives on in his children and grandkids. My prayers for peace in the coming days, may you be consoled by God during this difficult time.
Marilyn (Peters) Galloway
Angie Whitney
January 29, 2013
Dear Ruth and family. I am so very sorry to hear of Ron's passing. As my husband's table mate at Cerenity, "Coach" lit up the spirits of people just seeing the light in his eyes. It was an honor to know him.
Glen Kleven
January 28, 2013
Mr Sass was both a great track coach and a football coach. I have many fond memories of having coach Sass as the B squad football coach. I feel sorry to learn of his passing. My thoughts are with his family at this difficult time.
Barb (Kritta) Vriezelaar
January 27, 2013
I was very sorry to hear about the loss of Mr. Sass. I remember him as a coach that was always there with a positive word of encouragement and a smile. And I remember fun times hanging out with Jody and friends in their basement at home. I'm glad I had the honor of knowing him.
Ramona Pearson
January 27, 2013
Curt and I were saddened to read of Ron's death..Memories of Diamond Dozen parties, Ron's smile..We send condolences to all of your family..
MaryAnn & Russ Larson Family
January 27, 2013
Mr. Sass always put his all into everything he did. He will be truly missed by all who knew him and his wonderful family. He helped many of us through his inspirational guidance.
Tom Fischer
January 26, 2013
When I was a young track coach, some 35 years ago, Ron Sass was one of the role models that I looked up to. I'm sure that you are watching out for all of us, Ron. We'll try to live up to your expectations. Thanks, Ron, for your example. You were one of the really good ones!
January 26, 2013
Ruth,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss of Ron, but I can certainly understand your constant grief these last few years as a caregiver. May God bless you and your family at this time.
Dick Peterson- Green Valley, Arizona
Deanne McLean
January 26, 2013
I was so sorry to read about your dad, Stacy. He was truly a one of kind "life coach" and an inspiration to so many! WIth all the enthusiasm he shared with his students, I can only imagine how wonderful he was as your dad. My thoughts are with you and your family.
Bill "Jake" Jacobs
January 26, 2013
My sincere condolences to the Sass family. Coach Sass was an outstanding leader and supportive mentor. I have many fond memories. Please know that the thoughts and prayers of your friends are with you.
Sincerely,
Bill Ziton
January 26, 2013
My thoughts and prayers are with the entire Sass family. Being so involved in sports, his positive message or just the fact that I found sports a great pass time kept us out of "greater" trouble. The small town sports sense of community that he symbolizes has created a legacy for the entire Sass Family. He created a sense of family that you rarely see today. I have many fond memories of Ron as a coach and a father. He seemed so proud of R. Jay every time they were together. I feel honored to have had Coach Ron apart of my life and he will be missed.
Roberta Auger
January 26, 2013
Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always. He will be missed greatly.
Judy Smith (Crossley)
January 25, 2013
Mrs. Sass, My condolences to you and your family on Mr. Sass's passing. He was a wonderful teacher, and I'll always remember how "special" I felt being asked by him to babysit your little girls :) By all I've read here, his was certainly a life well lived!
Joe Kimball
January 25, 2013
I remember Coach Sass with great respect and fondness, and treasure the track team memories. He demanded our best, and helped us improve on the track, in the classroom and in life. Go Bears.
Joe Kimball
January 25, 2013
I remember Coach Sass with respect and fondness, and will always treasure the great memories from our track team days at White Bear. He helped us improve, on the track, in school and in life. Go Bears.
Cathy Anderson
January 25, 2013
Ruth- We are so sorry to hear of Rons passing. You are in our thoughts and prayers. We cannot attend the services but we will be thinking of you and your family! Ron, Cathy,Aaron and Madison Anderson
Tom Dufresne
January 25, 2013
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. Mr. Sass built a tremendous track tradition at WBHS. I have many great memories - like how he used to show us how he practiced his form on the hurdles on his walk home from school when he was in high school.
Anne (Bockelman)Nelson
January 25, 2013
Great Teacher and coach, but those Pep Fest cheers were AMAZING! My thoughts and prayers are with the entire Sass family.
Michele Cartier
January 25, 2013
The Sass Family,
So sorry to hear of your loss! You are all in my thoughts and prayers. I said Hi to Mr Sass several times a week for 3 months while my Mom was in rehab at Cerenity a few years back.
Lori (Stenstrom) Glass
January 25, 2013
Praying for your family during this difficult time. Your Dad has left an amazing legacy!
BOBBY POWERS
January 25, 2013
A Great Choch and Man and great Family
January 24, 2013
Hey Coach…. I had some great times with you on the Track !! Not so much in the classroom but that was my fault. You were great.
Now I will yell it one more time for you “”TRACK RUNNERS COMING, TRACK”
RIP
Pafi Nunyakpe WBL 1989
January 24, 2013
Stacy and the Sass family,
My sincere condolences on the loss of your dad. Coach was really the only coach I had who made a real positive impact in my life, he truly was great at instilling self-confidence. He was a great man.
Jay Pendergrass
Duane McDonnel
January 24, 2013
Mr. Sass was a strong influence in my life, as my high school coach & mentor encouraging me to go to college to become an engineer.
Chris Foss
January 24, 2013
Coach Sass was a big part of my life during the formative years from 5th grade through 12th grade, and he has remained a semi-legendary figure in my household ever since. I will be thinking of him on Saturday out here in Virginia (a day, fittingly, I will be spending at Parks and Rec basketball games for both of my kids). My sincere sympathies to the whole family.--Chris Foss
January 24, 2013
Hugs and Blessings, John and Jane Jones
January 24, 2013
So many positive memories of playing sports under Ron's tutelage, and getting to know RJay and his family. A dedicated coach who with Ruth so often provided a safe place for a bunch of somewhat suspect teenage boys to play cards or hang out. Thanks to all the Sass family for all you did for kids - may his dedication live on and on . . .
Steve Moss, Little Canada, MN
January 24, 2013
You all are in my thoughts and prayers. My family and I have many memories of Mr. Sass as a coach and friend of the family.
I pray our Lord is with you during this difficult time.
Blessings
Mary Tardiff
Jim Honsa
January 24, 2013
Mr. Sass's inspiration and dedication created other teachers like myself. So sorry for your last.
Kathy Fritz Stone
January 24, 2013
Dear Ruth and family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you all in the loss of Ron. I have fond memories of him, especially as a teacher with my Dad, Chuck.
Sincerely,
Mary Darragh Schmitz
January 24, 2013
Shelley and family - my deepest sympathy on the passing of your Dad. I remember him as a vibrant, enthusiastic teacher and coach. You are in my thoughts.
Scot Joynt
January 24, 2013
Sad to hear but in a better place now. I have so many wonderful memories that many of us still talk about. I immediately pictured Ron putting some races and teams together and rallying the boys in heaven for some good competition. I have yet to met anyone that loved Track and coaching as much as he did. I feel privileged to have had Ron part of my life as I was growing up and for the chances to catch up as an adult.
God Bless you Ron and we will miss you.
Scot (WBL 88)
Patty Bailey Miller
January 24, 2013
I am trusting there will be MANY wonderful shared memories of family and friends. Mom, Musz Bailey, is sorry she is not up to making it there. Enjoy the memories that others share, it was such a sweet time for me of that when my dad passed. Hugs for all.
Mark Kittleson
January 24, 2013
Coach Sass' impact on my life is immeasurable. His ability to instill confidence in a person--his passion for life--his love of life--all still remain with me. What an incredible person. My sympathy to his wonderful wife, children, and grandchildren.
Karen L Bracht
January 24, 2013
Stacy, I am so very sorry to learn of your Dad's passing. Please know you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Susan French
January 24, 2013
Thinking of you and your family, Shelley. I sure remember your Dad as a wonderful teacher, coach, and human being. Condolences. Susie French, Mexico City
Dick and Marge Jungwirth
January 24, 2013
RJ and the Sass Family.. our most
sincere and heartfelt sympathy to all
of you on the passing of your father.
He was a good man who gave much of
himself to the WBL district.
May God give Ron eternal joy and his
loved ones peace of mind.
Ray Schlosser
January 24, 2013
Mr. Sass was my favorite math teacher. Not my strongest class but he was able to get some algebra into my brain. That in itself was a feat. All our prayers are with your family in the time of great sadness.
Linda Riedle Erkenbrack
January 24, 2013
I loved being a neighbor of the Sass family growing up. I thought it would be strange tho having my neighbor for a teacher. I was wrong. Mr. Sass was a wonderful teacher. I sat in front and I aced his class!! I remember "The Cheer" he did at a pep fest as well. We've stayed in touch through the years by way of the neighborhood block parties and bringing my kids to their house trick or treating. Oh how I will miss you Mr. Sass.
Rhonda Lord (Skibicki)
January 24, 2013
May God bless you and your family in your time of sorrow. I had the pleasure of being taught by Mr. Sass as my math teacher. He was a very nice man and made a difference in my life.
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2460 East County Road E, White Bear Lake, MN 55110
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