Ronald Jon Stokesbary

Ronald "Ron" Jon Stokesbary, age 74, of Longville, MN, passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 26, 2025, in Duluth, MN, with his loving family by his side.

Born on December 18, 1950, in Mankato, Minnesota, Ron was the son of Marvin and Kathleen Stokesbary. He married his high school sweetheart, Janet (Jan) (Sandmann), and together they shared 54 years of marriage. Ron attended classes at University of Minnesota and received a computer programming diploma from Brown Institute in Minneapolis.

After college, Ron and Jan bought a home in St. Louis Park where they would raise their family. Ron took a job at Northern States Power (which later became Xcel Energy) where he served as computer operator, programmer, and Information Technology specialist. He retired after 35 years of service.

Ron's real passion was his family. He enjoyed coaching and supporting his two children with team sports and built a cabin on Little Boy Lake in Longville where his family spent many weekends and vacations together, making memories that will last a lifetime. Ron spent countless hours on the lake, enjoying watersports with his kids, and fishing for the elusive muskie. He enjoyed participating in the annual muskie tournament. Although Ron hooked many large muskie over the years, his greatest thrill was when he guided others to catch their first muskie on Little Boy Lake.

In 2005, Ron and Jan retired and moved to Longville. Ron enjoyed crafting intarsia wood patterns for family and friends, as well as creating a vast assortment of toy trucks for his grandsons. Ron took great pride in being a grandfather and he excelled in that role. He maximized every moment he had with his grandsons.

Ron dedicated himself to community service throughout retirement. He served various roles with the WLBCR Lakes Association and Wabedo Township Board. He was adamant about protecting natural resources in Little Boy Lake, Wabedo Lake, and surrounding lake systems, and was a strong advocate for shoreline and habitat protection.

Ron was preceded in death by his parents, Marvin and Kathleen, his sister Marilyn Ripka, sister-in-law Sandy, and brother-in-law Randy Koll. He is lovingly remembered by his wife Jan; daughter Jen and son-in-law Andy; son Brent and daughter-in-law Patti; and his cherished grandchildren, Ben, Nick, and Eli. He is also survived by his siblings Arlyn, brother-in-law Henry Ripka, Curt (Kathy), Jodell (Ron) Winter, Mary Koll, as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

In honor of Ron's memory, donations may be made to the Wabedo-Little Boy-Cooper-Rice (WLBCR) Lakes Association, P.O. Box 133, Longville, MN 56655. At Ron's request, no formal service will be held.