Barbara Lee Ronning

Barbara Lee (Dustrud) Ronning, age 87 of Monticello, MN, passed away October 6, 2025. She was born on July 17, 1938, in Fargo, North Dakota, to Walter and Mabel (Peterson) Dustrud. She graduated from South High School in Minneapolis with the Class of 1956. Barbara went on to attend the University of Minnesota, where she earned her Associate Degree.

In 1957 she was united in marriage to Gary Ronning, and together they built a life filled with love, family, and cherished memories. Barbara worked for many years at the Twin Cities Spine Center in Minneapolis, but her most treasured role was that of wife and mother.

Barbara loved to host gatherings, where all the family could be together making holidays and celebrations warm and memorable. She enjoyed playing tennis and golf, and she and Gary looked forward to winter trips to Mexico. Summers were often spent at the family lake cabin near Detroit Lakes, where she loved spending time by the lake and going boating.

Known for her soft and gentle nature, Barbara was always smiling and friendly. Her warmth, kindness, and presence brought comfort and joy to those around her. She will be remembered with great affection.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Walter and Mabel; brother, Jerome; and sister-in-law, Ruth.

Barbara is survived by her husband of 68 years, Gary; sons, Dale (Rebecca), Brian (Melissa), and Glenn (Linda); 7 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren; brother, Charles Dustrud; and many nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.

Memorial Service will be held Saturday, October 11, 2025 at 11:00 AM with visitation one hour prior at the Lake of the Isles Lutheran Church, 2020 West Lake of the Isles Pkwy, Minneapolis. Interment was held at Lakewood Cemetery in Minneapolis.

Arrangements have been entrusted to The Peterson Chapel of Buffalo. Online condolences for the family may be directed to www.thepetersonchapel.com.