Ronald "Ron" Shimek

Ronald 'Ron' Shimek

Ron was born on December 5, 1945, in East Grand Forks, Minn., to Frank and Helen Shimek. He passed away peacefully at home on February 5, 2025, after a brief battle with cancer.

In 1950, Ron and his family moved to Hibbing, Minn., where he attended Hibbing schools and graduated from Hibbing High School in 1965. He continued his education at Bemidji State University, earning a degree in Industrial Technology with a concentration in woodworking.

Ron and his wife, Carol, were high school sweethearts. In 1972, they moved to Grand Rapids where Ron began working at Blandin Wood Products as a dryer operator. Over the next decade, he held various positions before becoming President in 1982. Following the sale of Blandin Wood Products, Ron transitioned to Blandin Paper Company, where he served as Senior Technical Advisor and Business Unit Manager of Purchasing and Strategic Planning until his retirement in 1995.

Ron was a devoted member of Saint Leo's Catholic Church in Hibbing and later Saint Joseph Catholic Church in Grand Rapids. He was active in the Knights of Columbus (3rd Degree), the Elks Club, and the Moose Club. Passionate about giving back to his community, he volunteered for many years with the March of Dimes and the MS Society.

An avid outdoorsman, Ron loved deer hunting in both Minnesota and Texas. He shared countless memorable trips to Beaver Creek Camp with his brother, son, nephews and grandson. He also had a talent for woodworking, building the family home with Carol and later co-building the cabin in Toivola. Ron enjoyed skiing with his children at Lutsen, fishing, and duck hunting at the family's cabin on Little Cut Foot. Over the years, he and Carol traveled extensively, but his greatest joy was spending time with his family, especially his beloved grandchildren. He will be deeply missed by his best buddy and grand dog, Gunther.

Ron is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Carol; son, Ron (Jen) Shimek; daughter, Mandi Shimek; four grandchildren: Grace, Emma, Sophie, and Joey; sister, Sharon Gustofson; brother, Greg Shimek; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his siblings: Joseph Shimek, Shirley Traeger, and Janice Shimek.

A private family service will be held in Hibbing in the spring.

Arrangements are with Rowe Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Grand Rapids, MN. To sign the online guestbook or send condolences visit www.rowefuneralhomeandcrematory.com.