Ronald Hunter

Ronald Dean Hunter, 82, of Rochester, died unexpectedly September 12, 2024, after a short illness. Ron was born June 24, 1942, in Austin, MN, the son of Lorraine N. and Laura R. (LaVallie) Hunter. Following Lorraine's passing during WWII, Laura married Wilfred J. Gilgenbach who took on the role of his dad. Upon high school graduation he decided that college life was too tame and enlisted in the US Navy in 1963.

While home on leave, Ron met Judy Boege at Outrigger and proposed a few weeks later. Ron and Judy Hunter were united in marriage on September 27, 1969, in Rochester, MN. Ron and Judy welcomed their son Jason on September 26, 1970 and their daughter Heather on May 1, 1974.

Ron continued his military career for 20 years, transferring to the Coast Guard in 1972. During his time in the military he traveled to and lived in several places, including Virginia, Illinois, California, Washington, and Governors Island, NY. Upon his retirement from the military in 1983, the family returned to southeastern Minnesota to raise their children.

Ron enjoyed learning how things work and used this interest in his work life as well as around his home. He was always working on different projects. His work career outside of the military included working in his electronics repair shop, IBM, Celestica, and most recently Northern Hills and Hadley Creek golf courses.

Known affectionately as "Boppa" for the last 22 years, his 5 grandchildren (Brandon Hunter, Miranda Harrer, Ethan Hunter, Kenny Harrer, and Delaney Harrer) brought him immeasurable pride and joy. He enjoyed taking his grandchildren to the golf courses, so that they could drive a golf cart around for some fun. (We won't comment on how well they drove.) Being mostly retired by the time the grandkids started arriving allowed him to spend a lot of time with the kids, even when they were babies. He always said he never understood why anyone would ever complain about "babysitting" their grandkids because he thought it was the best thing ever.

Ron is survived by his wife of almost 55 years, Judy; their two kids, Jason (Kristi) Hunter, and Heather (Craig) Harrer; 5 grandchildren; 1 brother and 4 sisters. He was preceded in death by his parents and 1 brother.

Family and friends are invited to a funeral service at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, September 14, 2024 at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home, 5421 Royal Place NW, Rochester. There will be a visitation from 9-10:30 am, also on Saturday. There will be a small gathering and light lunch following the service. Interment will be at Oakwood Cemetery in Rochester.

Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Hunter family.