"I was so sorry to hear of Marys' passing. I have so many memories of hanging out at "The Ronnenbergs." It was my home away from home where we would hang out on the front porch with Mary and eat all her good food. Big dill pickles right Ann? I would imagine we gave her some worries when we had tornado warnings out and we were sitting on the roof of the old greenhouse playing in the storm. She was always so kind and I remember her smile and laugh. She was always very good to me and all of the neighborhood kids that practically lived there. You guys had an awesome mom and I'm glad I got to know her. You are all in my thoughts and prayers through this difficult time. Vickie DeWitte "
In loving memory of
Mary Ann Ronnenberg
August 16, 1931 - February 22, 2009
Winona,
Mary Ann Ronnenberg, 77, of Winona died at her home on Sunday February 22, 2009.
She was born on August 16, 1931 in LaCrosse, WI, the daughter of Clinton and Grace (Ensrud) Virock. Mary was raised in Rushford, MN and graduated from Rushford High School in 1949. She married Milton Ronnenberg in 1950 and they later divorced.
She loved music and was 1st chair clarinet in high school - she was also her high school class president. Mary was a strong, kind, caring, and compassionate woman, and the world was a better place with her in it. Her greatest love was her children and grandchildren. She will be greatly missed by all who were lucky enough to call her mom, grandma, or friend.
She is survived by her five children: Beth (Jerry) Johnston, Sedro-Woolley, WA; James Ronnenberg, North Bend, OR; Clinton (Susan) Ronnenberg, Winona, MN; Grace Atkinson, Waseca, MN; Ann (Robert Hatala) Ronnenberg, Portland, OR; 9 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren, nephew Daniel Froiland, Marine on St. Croix, MN; nieces Kathryn Froiland, Houston, TX; Mary Baker, Windcrest, TX and her four-legged friend, Kate. She was preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Phyllis Froiland.
Funeral Services will be 11AM Thursday at Hoff Funeral Home & Cremation Service-Hansen Goodview Chapel with the Reverend Jeff Franko of Central Lutheran Church officiating. Burial will follow in Rushford Lutheran Cemetery. Friends may call from 10 - 11AM Thursday at the funeral home.
Please share a memory of Mary with her family by signing her on-line guestbook at www.hofffuneral.com.
Tributes
"Mom, Thanks for the way you carried yourself over the years.Always humble.So supportive with a positive spin.Never one to criticize. My buddies were at home with you.A giver,not a taker.So proud to be your baby boy.Its about time.....You finally got to touch the hand of God. Waytabee . Love Forever, Jimmy."
"I am so sorry to her of your mother's passing. I too have many great memories of our days on 7th Street. I can still remember sitting on your porch on 9th street talking with your Mom (probably bugging her - all of us girls). I hope that you find comfort in those fond memories and always hold them close in your heart. Find strength in one another and know that your Mom is smiling down on all of you. Take Good Care. "Barbie""
"Dear Susan and Clint, please try not to ponder on your sadness, but rather rejoice in Mary's happiness in heaven."
"To the entire Ronnenberg family - we were very sorry to hear of Mary's passing. Please know that you all are in our thoughts at this time of sadness. Rug - we are in Milwaukee with Matt so will be unable to attend the funeral. We know that you loved your mother very much. We will be thinking of you. "
"I wanted to thank Mary's family for sharing her with us. I spent time with Mary just about every week for the last 10 years, and I'm a better person for it. We shared stories, we laughed, we watched Bobby Flay grill up a storm, and we talked about what the best deals were on QVC. She spoke often of her family and shared her joys and worries about each one. She kept in the background, not wanting to intrude. She was very proud of all her family, proud of her the adults her children had grown up to be. Mary was a wonderful lady, and I'm fortunate to have known her. I will miss her."
"Jim (Little Whitie), So sorry to hear of your Mom's passing. We just went through this on Thanksgiving Day so it is still very fresh in our minds and we understand what a difficult time this is for your family. God Bless and be strong. Jim & Jeanine Stiles"
"Jim, Sorry for your loss. Jeff & Denny Sievers"
"We are very sorry to hear about your mom's passing. It is getting more and more difficult to read the paper as we age, it is becoming common place to read about someone we care about passing. Please find the strength and love that supports you guys during this difficult time with all the family and friends that surround you. I too, have very fond memories of the Ronnenberg house from growing up and I am very glad to have those memories. You guys take good care of each other. You are in our thoughts and prayers."
"I have many fond memories of your mom, when our families would get together for special occations. She was a special lady. You have my deepest sympathy. Love, Marcy"
"Mary and I were classmates and best friends from first grade through high school. We both played clarinets, though Mary always sat one chair ahead of me.One memory I have is when either of our mothers was making Norwegian klub we would stay with each other and eat until we were stuffed. Between our junior and senior years of high school we worked at St. Mary's Hospital in Rochester and also were roommates there. Our lives drifted apart after we were married and started raising our families, but I always considered Mary my dearest friend. She was a very special person. "
"Dear Ann, and family....My deepest sympathies go out to you..May God give you all, the strength, you need to heal, during this time of pain. My Dad had passed, almost 1 yr. ago...I know, too well, what you are going through..may you take comfort in knowing that time will heal the pain...you will always have those memories...and those will truly help you through. Hold on to that family...as you all will pull through this with your love and support of one another. Lean on God, let Him hold you up. I can still see your Mom, sitting on the porch, as we would come over, during our Madison school days...what memories we have there! I do remember going to Grandma's house, a lot, too!!! I never got to know your Mom personally...but, I always adored you, Ann...we had a good time! Take care and know that you are thought of, and in my prayers, always...."
"I'm so sorry to hear that Mary has passed away. I have so many good memories of her, she always made us feel welcome & was the best chocolate milkshake maker ever! I hope that the happy memories of your time with her will help ease the pain of your loss. You're all in my thoughts and prayers, take care and miss you all. Julie Gustavson"
"I know the pain of losing your mother. The pain does lessen with time. Let God hold you and comfort you in those times of need that will come when the grief seems overwhelming. Take comfort in knowing others know just how you feel and you are not alone. Enjoy the laughter and tears brought out by recounting memorable moments with your mom. Know that you will be in our prayers in the days and weeks ahead. Love to you all, Pam, David, and Olivia Ollie"
"Our mother was not a gregarious woman. She quietly supported us from the background, taking no credit for any of our achievements. She was a quiet source of comfort and understanding in our lives. She was always pulling for us and praying for us to succeed and be happy in the lives we chose pursue. She loved us all equally. Someone once said, "We can't all be heroes, because somebody has to stand on the curb and cheer when the parade goes by." Well, mom, today... we stand on the curb. "
"So many wonderful memories... The one that sticks out the most is the day when I was getting ready for school (I think I was 17), Mom was sitting at the kitchen table with the radio on. The song from Elton John came on, "I think it's gonna be a long, long time". We turned up the radio and sang our hearts out together. We laughed and laughed knowing we would never sing like Elton John. Lol. From that day forward, whenever that great song came on we would do the same. To this day, whenever I hear that song, I think of my Mom and the many happy times we had together. I will miss her very much. Love, Ann"
"I was very sorry to hear about the passing of your mother. Growing up in the neighborhood I spent a lot of time at your house and your mom always made me feel so welcome. I will never forget the delicious hamburgers she used to make us. My thoughts are with you all at this difficult time. Jenny Olsen"
"I am very sorry to hear of your mother's passing. Like Jenny Olson, I have a lot of fond memories of the old neighborhood and many of them happened in your house across the alley from us."
"Clint & Susan, Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers at this most difficult time. We wish we could be there to help you and give you comfort but just know that we love you and certainly understand the pain and grief you are going through. Lisa, Bruce, Brian & Andrew Nagy"