Ronald Lee Felt

With heavy hearts, the family announces the passing of Ronald Lee Felt, a beloved son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. Ron passed away peacefully surrounded by family on October 21, 2025, after courageously battling cholangiocarcinoma (bile duct liver cancer) for two and a half years.

Born to Oscar and Ruby (Maas) Felt on April 13, 1944, in Watertown, Minnesota, Ron was baptized at St. Peter's Lutheran Church and confirmed there on March 30, 1958. He graduated from Watertown High School in 1962, where he proudly played baseball and earned a place on the all-conference team.

Ron discovered his calling for teaching during his senior year at Watertown High School when his Industrial Arts teacher asked him to substitute for a week. This experience set him on a lifelong path of education. He went on to attend Mankato State, earning his Bachelor's degree in Industrial Arts Education. He later earned his Master's degree from Winona State and his Education Specialist degree from the University of Minnesota.

In 1966, Ron began what would become a distinguished 34-year career teaching auto mechanics, woodworking, and driver's education at Mayo and John Marshall High Schools in Rochester, Minnesota. His dedication to his students extended beyond the classroom-he served two years as President of the Southeast Industrial Education Association and spent many years as the VICA advisor at Mayo High School, guiding students to compete in state and national competitions.

In August 1966, Ron met his one true love, coworker Judy Myhro. As an accomplished old-time dancer, Ron naturally chose the Pla Mor dance hall in Rochester for their first date. When you know, you know-they were engaged on Christmas Eve and married on August 12, 1967.

After moving to Rochester, Ron joined Trinity Lutheran Church, where he served as a youth counselor and led a bus trip of young people to a national youth gathering in Washington, D.C. He took particular pride in building a table for the youth room that, when folded, forms a cross.

Ron and Judy raised three children together. His passion for baseball led him to coach baseball and softball for his children and the Haverhill Boosters 4-H. He cherished attending the music and sports events of his children and grandchildren, taking immense pride in every accomplishment.

A true outdoorsman, Ron spent countless hours hunting and fishing with family and friends and enjoyed creating wonderful lifelong memories at their lake property. As a dedicated car enthusiast, he enjoyed his street rods and was a loyal member of the Drifters Car Club for nearly 50 years. Remarkably talented with his hands, Ron could fix anything-from cars to helping build houses for his children. In retirement, Ron and Judy traveled extensively, exploring destinations from coast to coast, including Alaska and Hawaii.

Ron is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Judy; children Brenda (Ron) Britain of St. Charles, MN, Daryl (April) Felt, and Darla (Rob) Hain of Rochester, MN; grandchildren Taylor (Aaron) Louks, Kaylee Gerdts, Brandon (Ashleigh) Felt, Cody Gerdts, Nick Hain, and Matthew Felt; great-grandchildren Alexis and Victoria; sister Marilyn (Melvin) Giese; brother-in-law Tom (Jan) Myhro; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Oscar and Ruby Felt; brother Kenneth Felt; sister-in-law Shirley Felt; in-laws Tilford and Virginia Myhro; and four nephews.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to Dr. Keith Kliese of Olmsted Medical Center, numerous Mayo Clinic medical staff, Mayo Hospice, and Pastor Schwartz for their compassionate care and friendship throughout Ron's journey.

Memorials may be directed to Trinity Lutheran Church or Mayo Hospice.

Funeral Service will be held at 11AM on Tuesday, October 28, 2025 at Trinity Lutheran Church, 222 6th Ave SW, Rochester, MN 55902. Burial will take place in Grandview Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be held from 4-7PM on Monday, October 27, 2025 at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home, 5421 Royal Place NW, Rochester, MN 55901 and also 1 hour prior to the service at the church on Tuesday.

Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Felt family.