Ronald J. Digre

Ronald Joel Digre, age 68 of Rochester passed away March 27, 2011 in Seasons Hospice.He was born February 4, 1943 in Madison, Minnesota to Joel & Lucille Digre, with grandparents Joseph & Alma Digre and Nels & Laura Kostad all of Madison welcoming his arrival. He graduated from Madison Public High School in 1961, following his graduation he worked for the Madison Post Office as well as with the Lac qui Parle County Highway Dept. Ron graduated Cum Laude with a degree in Accounting from Moorehead State College. Ron served in the National Guard and on August 20, 1966 he married Ramona Radermacher. He first began his career following graduation with Rochester Methodist Hospital and then worked 30 years for the Mayo Clinic in the Finance department. Ron was active in local sports during high school, college, and in the North Dakota State Championship Baseball league. He officiated football, basketball, volleyball, and softball games for many years. He was an avid cross-country skier and completed 25 Birkebeiner cross-country ski races. He was welcomed into the Telemark Birchleggars honorary group at Telemark Resort in Cable, Wisconsin, the home of the International cross-country ski race. He also completed mountain bike events, belonged to various golf leagues, and enjoyed the boundary waters with his four sons. He volunteered at the Dorothy Day House, St. Francis Sunday Dinner for those with needs, and for his parish church dinner gatherings.Surviving him is his loving wife, Ramona of Rochester, 4 sons: Steve (Sue) Digre of St. Paul, MN; Brad (Elise) Digre of Vadnais Heights, MN; Mark (Stacy) Digre of Robbinsdale, MN; and Jeff (Monica) Digre of St. Paul, MN. He is also survived by 7 Grandchildren, his twin brother: Roger Digre (Eunice) of Dalton, MN and brother Ken Digre (Gloria) of Pharr, TX. He was preceded in death by his parents and an infant daughter.Memorial services will be held Saturday April 2, 2011 at Pax Christi Catholic Church with visitation beginning at 10 AM followed by a funeral mass at 11 AM. Immediately following mass there will be a luncheon with memorial reflections and a time of sharing memories, friends and family are invited and encouraged to share there favorite memories of Ron during this time. Interment will take place in Calvary Cemetery. Online condolences can be left at www.ranfranzandvinefh.comRanfranz and Vine Funeral Homes 5421 Royal Place NW Rochester, MN 55901 (507) 289-3600