Gordon "Gordy" Ring

Gordon "Gordy" Ring, 67, died January 5, 2024 peacefully at home with his family by his side after courageously living his last months with cancer. He was diagnosed with stage 4 non-small cell lung cancer several months ago and faced each day with remarkable strength, gratitude and grace. Gordy chose to enjoy the end of his life valiantly without treatment.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Tuesday, January 16, 2024 at the Shelley Funeral Chapel in Little Falls, MN with Rev. Gerry Bass officiating. Burial will take place in the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery north of Little Falls, MN. A visitation will be held from 10:00-11:00 A.M on Tuesday, January 16, 2024, at the Shelley Funeral Chapel in Little Falls, MN. Caring for Gordon and his family is the Shelley Funeral Chapel in Little Falls, MN.

Gordy was born on January 10, 1956 in Minneapolis to the late Gordon and Irene (Wilhelm) Ring. He grew up on his family farm in Becker, MN. He served in the US Air Force as a medic and especially enjoyed his time stationed in Wiesbaden, Germany. He married Bonnie Hammerel on July 6, 1982, and together they raised three children. Gordy held several jobs in his life. One that was most fulfilling was owning Gordon's Garden Market outside their home in Rockville. Gordy enjoyed having bonfires with family and friends, ice fishing, anything chocolate, and teaching little life lessons to his kids and grandkids, such as: planting trees whose shade you will never sit in. He was a proud lifetime member of the NRA. He did not want to openly share his cancer diagnosis because he did not want "anyone to treat me any differently because I have cancer." With that he left us with a final life lesson: don't wait for a cancer diagnosis to do the things you've wanted to do and say the things you've wanted to say, and spend your precious days with those you love.

He is survived by his wife of 41 years, Bonnie; daughters Jewell (Cold Spring) and Jeanna (St. Cloud); grandchildren, Andrew (Shannon), Abby, Alex, Leah, and Noah; brother, Jeff and sister, Samone (Todd); and many cousins, nephews and nieces.

He is preceded in death by his son, Jason in 2020; his parents; brother, Scott; extended family, friends, and beloved dog, Rambo.

Thank you to Dylan and Hallie at St. Croix Hospice and the VA Medical Center for your care and support.