Ronald F. "Ron" Stricker

1953 - 2023

Ronald "Ron" F. Stricker, 70, of Elk River, MN passed away peacefully on September 23, 2023, surrounded by his family after a brief, but courageous battle with cancer.

Ron was born June 10, 1953, in Braham, MN to Alfred and Mary (Schlechter) Stricker. He graduated from Braham High School in 1971 and from Valley City State College, Valley City, ND in 1975 with a B.A. in Business Administration and music minor. Ron married the love of his life, Gloria Leimer, on August 23, 1974, in Jamestown, ND.

After graduation, Ron and Gloria moved to Elk River, MN. Ron was in business with his brother-in-law, Dennis Anderson, for 26 years. In 2006, Ron joined Terra Construction as office manager and accountant until his retirement in May 2019.

Ron had a lifelong love of music, singing in theater productions in college and choirs throughout his life. He sang for many weddings and funerals. He was a faithful member of Union Congregational Church, Elk River, for over 40 years serving on many boards and as the financial secretary for 18 years. Upon joining Elk River Lutheran Church, Ron sang in the choir and in the Rivers Edge Quartet, served as treasurer and a member of the church council and building committee. Ron had a very deep faith which he passed down to his children and grandchildren.

Ron enjoyed going to "the lake" and camping in the Boundary Waters with his son, brothers, and nephews. He loved hearing loon calls and seeing eagles soar. Ron stayed busy in retirement by golfing at Pinewood Golf Course in his own back yard and had the most beautiful lawn in his neighborhood.

As an active member of the community, Ron served on the Guardian Angels Board of Directors and Fund Development Committee. He was a friend to many and cherished the friendships he made over his life. Ron will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

Ron deeply loved his family. Nothing brought him more joy than to spend time with his family, especially his grandchildren. He is survived by his beloved wife of 49 years, Gloria; children: Kelli (Adam) Horner and Ryan (Kelsey) Stricker; grandchildren: Audrey and Katherine Horner, and Natalie, Lauren, and Teddy Stricker; siblings: Robert (Sara) Stricker, Ruby (Dennis) Anderson, Roy (Nancy Hau) Stricker, and Rhonda (Michael) Stromberg; sisters-in-law: Karen Devitt, Barbara Stricker, and Jill Stricker; and many nieces, nephews, family, and friends.

Ron is preceded in death by his parents, Alfred and Mary Stricker; brother, Russell Stricker; and parents-in-law, John and Emma Leimer.

Visitation held at Dare's Funeral Home (805 Main Street NW, Elk River) on Friday, September 29, 2023, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM. A celebration of Ron's life will be held Saturday, September 30, 2023, 11:00 AM at Elk River Lutheran Church (729 Main Street NW, Elk River) with lunch to follow. The service will be livestreamed via Elk River Lutheran's Facebook and YouTube pages.

Private interment with immediate family will be held at a later date.

The family extends their deepest appreciation to all the staff at Triniti Home Health & Hospice and Guardian Angels Care Center. The level and quality of care was truly a blessing. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Ron's name are preferred to Guardian Angels Senior Services in Elk River or Elk River Lutheran Church's building fund.

Arrangements by Dare's Funeral Home, Elk River, MN, 763-441-1212, www.daresfuneralhome.com.