Ronald Douglas Kellogg

Ronald Douglas Kellogg passed away on February 2, 2020 at the age of 87 years due to congestive heart failure following a lengthy and loving stay at Seasons Hospice House. Ron was born in Preston, MN October 14, 1932 to Melvin Otto (Speck) and Mamie Ada (Ada Hanson) Kellogg. The Kellogg's lived in Fillmore, MN and Ron graduated from Wykoff High School in 1951. He served in the United States Army during the Korean War from 1953-1955. Following his military duty, he graduated from the University of MN with a degree in Mechanical Engineering and began his career at IBM in 1963 and retired in 1991. On December 26, 1957 he married Mary J. Walsh and they lived in St. Paul and Hartford, WI before moving to Rochester in 1963 where they raised their three children, Tom, Katy and Ann. Mary and Ron enjoyed a cabin on Round Lake in Hayward, WI where they met many of their dear, lifelong friends. Sadly, Mary passed away on April 2, 1997 from pancreatic cancer. Ron was blessed to have his grief softened by meeting Annie Konop who has remained his loving companion for 20 years. Ron had many interests which included but were not limited to, antiquing, wood working and furniture restoration, the outdoors, hunting, classic country and western music, history, NASCAR, mowing grass at Tom and Sharon's farm, morel mushroom hunting, building blue bird houses, reading Consumer Reports, an evening Manhattan, travel, laughing and a good hot meal. Ron was very proud of his Norwegian heritage and enjoyed visiting the Homeland with Annie Konop in 2011. Ron remained razor sharp and quick witted, as well as curious and inquisitive until the very end. His storied dry sense of humor will be forever remembered. Ron was a straight shooter and did not suffer fools, though his gruff demeanor at times would often be betrayed by the tears he shed at the many, many moments he found poignant. Ron, just like the rest of us, did the best he could. He was and is so loved and will be greatly missed. Ron is survived by his companion, Annie Konop; son, Tom (Sharon); daughter, Ann (Kevin) Fogarty both of Rochester, MN, daughter, Katy (Jim) Nygard of Gallatin Gateway, MT and two grandchildren, Frank (Shireen Ghanatabadi) Kellogg and Gracie (Chris Daniel) Kellogg both of Minneapolis, MN. He was preceded in death by his wife, his parents, his brother, Fuzz, his sister, Marge and brother-in-law John Dunn; his brother-in-law, James Walsh and his father and mother-in-law, Dr. Andrew and Kathleen Walsh. The family cannot begin to express, in actions or words, their gratitude to the staff at Seasons Hospice House. Your loving care prolonged our time with Dad and for that we are forever grateful. We are in awe of all of you. We all enjoyed spending time on the deck watching the birds, counting turkeys and waiting with anticipation for the next deer sighting! God Bless You All. We would also like to thank "Team Audrey Tipka" for their love, kinship and friendship during our shared time at Seasons Hospice House. Thank for sharing your sweet mother, Audrey, with us. Ron would be honored to have Memorials directed to Seasons Hospice House should you choose to do so. A Celebration of Ron's Life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Sunday, February 9, 2020 at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes (5421 Royal Place NW Rochester, MN). Visitation will take place from 1:00-3:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 8, 2020 at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes and one hour prior to the service on Sunday at the funeral home. Burial will take place at Fillmore Cemetery in Fillmore, MN. Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes is honored to be serving the Kellogg family. To leave a special memory or condolence please visit www.rafnranzandvinefh.com