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BORN
1939
DIED
2026
FUNERAL HOME
UPCOMING SERVICE
Visitation
Feb. 14, 2026
1:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Williams Dingmann Family Funeral Homes - Big Lake
Send FlowersRonald Gaarder Obituary
Visitation will be 1:30-4:00PM on Saturday, February 14 at the Williams Dingmann Family Funeral Home in Big Lake, with a memorial service from 2:30-3:00PM.
Ron was born August 13, 1939, in Starbuck to John and Marguerite (Noyes) Gaarder. The sixth of seven kids, he grew up loving Lake Minnewaska, hunting, skiing, and running around Glenwood doing exactly as he pleased - a pattern that continued into adulthood.
He met Joan (Simonson) in the halls of the Annandale school where they were both young teachers. They married in 1968 and moved to their home in Elk River in 1974. Ron became principal at VandenBerge Junior High School, where his love for practical jokes made him a legend among teachers, staff, and students. He was a strong supporter of teachers and he had a knack for working with kids.
Ron was a devoted and active dad who swam and biked with his kids, never missed a soccer game, and made sure his daughters could change a tire. He loved spending time in the woods, in deer stands, at the lake, with his investment club, and with his many friends and family. A gregarious social extrovert, he gave stock tips to his doctors and talked to everyone. He delighted in time with his grandkids, who were his pride and joy. He was a good steward of the land, preserving wild spaces and planting hundreds of trees in his lifetime.
Ron was generous, warm, and a good neighbor to all. He was a true character and will be missed dearly.
He is survived by Joan, his wife of 57 years; daughters, Erica (Marcus) Miller of St. Cloud, Emily Gaarder of Duluth; siblings, Dennis Gaarder of Chaska, Corrine Iverson of Minneapolis, and Vernon (Gail) Gaarder of Plymouth; and three grandchildren, Ian Miller, Anna Miller, and Isabel "Izzy" Creger.
He is preceded in death by his parents; and siblings, Laurel Falconer, Fran Welte, and Gary Gaarder.
The family would like to thank the staff of St. Croix Hospice and Comfort Keepers for their care and support.
Ron loved flowers but would also welcome memorial donations to the Minneapolis Heart Institute Foundation. He was very grateful for the 23 years he gained after his triple-bypass heart operation.
Visit williamsdingmann.com to write online remembrances.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memorial Events
for Ronald Gaarder
Feb
14
Funeral services provided by:
Williams Dingmann Funeral Homes - St. Cloud1900 Veterans Drive Eighth Street North, Saint Cloud, MN 56303
Memories and Condolences
for Ronald Gaarder
Sponsored by Williams Dingmann Funeral Homes - St. Cloud.
5 Entries
Nancy Gapen (Anderson)
February 11, 2026
Ron was my vice principal at Elk River High school. He became a customer of mine at stores I worked at. He even remembered what year I graduated. I will miss his smiling face.
Gail
February 11, 2026
Ron was my principal as a brand new teacher. I always felt supported and encouraged. He always told an amusing story that I don´t remember any more but I remember the message: if what you are doing doesn´t feel right or is not working then stop doing it, even if someone higher up is telling you to do it. Rest in peace, Ron
Ronald E Poslusny
February 7, 2026
Mr Gaarder was my Principal in jr High at Vandenberg in Elk River . He was always fair with students and gave some kind wisdom about how your actions with follow you as a adult. And he was right..
Jennifer Taylor
February 2, 2026
Awe.. Mr. Gaarder;
I remember you well as my Principal of Vandenberge. You def kept us kids in line. I will remember your smile and seeing you walk the halls often. I will keep your family in my prayers. You will be missed by many. Thank you for being a upstanding role model for us kids.
Jennifer Taylor aka Riska.. class of 1993.
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MIKE GRUND
January 28, 2026
Ron was a great man and was our principal at VandenBerge Junior High School. He almost always had a smile and a lot of good laughs with us. a lot of joking around!! GREAT MAN he will be missed. Thoughts and prayers to his family.
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