Ronald Erdmann

1941 - 2025

Ronald Erdmann
February 13, 1941 - December 6, 2025
Ronald Claire Erdmann, aged 84 years, went home to be with his Lord on December 6, 2025 in Rochester, Minnesota.
Ron was born on February 13, 1941 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He was the second of three children born to Claire and Inez (Wessen) Erdmann. When Ron was very young, the family moved to Williston, North Dakota where, he claimed "was a great place to grow up". He graduated from Williston Senior High School in 1959. As a young boy Ron excelled in sports. He played football, basketball, ran track in high school. He earned a football scholarship to attend North Dakota State University where he played football and earned a degree in Education, Social Studies. He was also in the ROTC. Upon graduating, he was commissioned in the Army serving as an 2nd Lieutenant. He was stationed in Germany from 1963-1966.
Ron met his beloved bride Jeanette Eileen Botten in the 6th grade. They dated through high school and college and married on August 11, 1962. Ron and Jean were blessed with three children: Michael Claire, Rhonda Jean, and Brett Ronald.
After teaching and coaching in Williston, North Dakota a few years, Ron went back to school at the University of North Dakota to earn a Master's Degree and a Ed. Spec in Education Administration. He served as a respected principal for 30+ years in Litchfield, Minnesota and Willmar, Minnesota. Ron was incredibly blessed with many cherished friends with whom he loved to spend time. He enjoyed playing cards and board games, traveling, entertaining, hunting, camping, fishing, and spending time at Leech Lake with family. His contentment was found in his family.
Ron and Jean settled in Minnesota, first in Litchfield for many years, then in Willmar. After Ron and Jean retired from their careers in education, they became "Winter Texans". Spending their winters at their home in Long Island Village located in Port Isabel, Texas-just across the bridge from South Padre Island.
Ron was a wonderful father, brother, grandfather, uncle, coach, and friend. He was a role model to many during his years as an athlete and as a principal. He is survived by his daughter, Rhonda (Olaf) Hendrickson; two grandchildren, Tor Hendrickson and Solveig Hendrickson; daughter-in-law, Trisha (Wyum) Erdmann; sister-in-law, Lorraine Nelson; along with many loved nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his beloved bride, Jean Erdmann; his parents, Claire and Inez Erdmann; son, Michael Claire; son, Brett Erdmann; sister, Nancy Tweden; brother, Richard Erdmann; mother-in-law, Lottie Botten; sister-in-law, Gladys Sandaker; brothers-in-law, Lyle Nelson, Sonny Sandaker.
A memorial service will be held to celebrate Ron in the spring at Calvary Lutheran Church in Willmar, Minnesota. In addition, a service of remembrance and burial is being planned in Williston, North Dakota in the summer of 2026.
Memorials can be sent to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Erdmann family. To share a special memory or condolence, please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com.