Ronald Guderian

Ronald John Guderian, 95, died peacefully on Saturday evening, March 23 at 10:23pm at Cottagewood Senior Community in Rochester, MN surrounded by his family. He was born on September 19, 1928 in Minneapolis, MN to Walter and Esther (Buckley) Guderian. Growing up and throughout this life, Ron shared a connection, affinity and bond with his older brother, Walt, that went beyond words.

His professional career as a beloved United Methodist minister spanned 40 years, serving the following cities and towns across the states of IA and MN:

• Spirit Lake, Iowa

• Ely, MN

• Mora, MN

• Duluth, MN

• Newport, MN

• Raymond, MN

• Brooklyn Center, MN

• Becoming actively involved in the Columbia Heights Methodists church after retirement

Reuniting by fate on a Minneapolis streetcar, Ron married Laurel (Nelson) in 1955. Their love and affection for each other was an endearing quality often shared by those who had the pleasure of spending time with them. Ron and Laurel raised two children together, Connie and Roger, embarking on many memorable road trips in their trusty Ford Falcon to Denver, CO to see family.

A farmer at heart, Ron loved spending time and sharing stories of the Guderian family farm in Princeton, MN with his cousins, cultivating a life-long love for John Deere tractors. He found such simple, immense joy in watching Great Lake ships, working on and riding bicycles, listening to pipe organ music, and enjoying a cup of coffee (with a splash of cream) with his loved ones. Often called to serve and help others, Ron's quiet generosity still has ripple effects today, and he participated in frequent mission trips to the various parts of the world.

In addition to his parents and wife, Ron was predeceased by his brother Walt (Dorothy) Guderian. Surviving are his daughter, Connie (Doug) Simonson, and son, Roger (Janet) Guderian, four grandchildren: Tyler (Brittany) Simonson, Bryan (Jen) Guderian, Brandon Guderian (Chiqui) and Alex (Kaylie) Guderian, four great grandchildren, and numerous beloved nieces, and nephews.

A private family memorial service will be held at a later date. We want to share a heartfelt thanks to the staff at Cottagewood Senior Community and Season's Hospice for their loving care and support for Ron.

Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Guderian family. To share a special memory or condolence, please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com