In loving memory of

Ronald J. Digre
February 4, 1943 - March 27, 2011

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

Tributes

Loren Else wrote on Apr 2, 2011:

"Ramona & Family,My sincere condolences to all of Ron's family, including his precious grandchildren. I had the pleasure of working with Ron on many occasions over the years on the basketball court. There are always people you meet in your life that care deeply about many things - in particular their families, setting a good example and living a good life. That is how Ron struck me, as someone who was happy, content and proud. Someone who tried to have a positive impact on all those around him. As part of his officiating family, we will miss him, but will always remember him."

Jane Komidor wrote on Apr 2, 2011:

"Ron was a very kind,compassionate and giving person. He always had a smile on his face and a moment to stop and say hi. Ron always greeted you by name..this was a gift. I remember volunteering with him on many city events and being grateful for his assistance and his wise council. If Ron said that he would be there you could count on him. He had a way of making you feel like a celebration. When my husband died,Ron made a special trip over to the lab to give me as he said: "his Grace and Prayers." Ron was well respected at Mayo CLinic for his integrity and his dedication to patient care. He was a devoted dad and loving husband to Ramona. I asked him one day how Ramona was doing and he smiled and commented,"I read that King Hussein said that Queen Noor's name meant light..Ramona is my Noor and my light.She just keeps on shining in my life.She blessed me with a wonderful family and a gift..her never ending friendship.As I write this note the sunshine is streaming through my window and I believe Ron is sending us light from Heaven. His memory will shine on because he was a "real" person who dedicated his life to helping others.Prayers and JoyJane"

Mark Rieder wrote on Apr 2, 2011:

"Dear Ramona and family,Condolences on the loss of your spouse and father. He was a heck of a guy and will e missed by everyone who had the good fortune to meet him. I've known Ron since my early days at Mayo. He was amazing with his energy and broad array of activities. He along with Gary Gross and Mike Miles, graciously agree to conduct the first ever "Brown bag" session we conducted for the Mayo recreation program. It was on cross country skiing. I know that session encouraged many folks to take up skiing, myself included. Over the years I had the good fortune to run into Ron at many places, usually someplace fun and outdoors. The last place we met was skiing at Quarry Hill. As always he took time to stop and talk at length, mostly about his beloved Telemark trails. Ron will hold a warm place in my heart forever. Best regards and prayers,Mark and Coleen Rieder"

Mary Clare Doran wrote on Apr 2, 2011:

"Dear Ramona and family,My deepest sympathy on the loss of Ron. I just returned from out of town. May the memories of your family times be of comfort to you all.with prayersMary Clare Doran"

Don Katzenmeyer wrote on Apr 2, 2011:

"My deepest sympathies for your loss.We grew up together, played sports together. I have good memories of Ron, as a really nice person."

Clayton Cowl wrote on Apr 2, 2011:

"I have fond thoughts of Ron working with him in the Rochester Officials Association. I recall this past August seeing him at the RCTC field for the opening football scrimmages and remembering how optimistic he was, and just happy to be out amongst the people and young athletes. He talked openly about his hip and his battle with hematologic malignancy. He was always open to the fact that he might not be back but solid in his beliefs and clearly a man of character, humility, and love of others. My very best to the family. He will be a big void in the lives of many."

Faith Ryan wrote on Apr 1, 2011:

"My deepest Sympathies to all! Ron and Ramona were very nice to allow me to stay with them when I was in Rochester for ILM."

Kari (Booth) Baxter wrote on Apr 1, 2011:

"My sincerest sympathies to the Digre family. My thoughts and prayers are with you all."

Teresa Wegner wrote on Apr 1, 2011:

"Ramona - I am sorry to hear of the passing of your husband. My deepest sympathy and prayers to you and your sons."

Dori wrote on Apr 1, 2011:

"Know that I am with you in thought and prayers as we say goodbye to a couragous man, a good friend, a real inspiration.He will be missed. I pray for you to be strong as a ROCK...fragile as PAPER in your memories and sorrow, and alwaysready to face the next challengewith an open SCISSORS.God bless and be with you today and every day in the future. Dori"

Bruce@Jan Dahl wrote on Mar 31, 2011:

"Dear Romona and family, so sorry to hear about Dear Romona and Family, so sorry to hear about Ron, please accept our sincerest condolences."

Joan Bryant-Mandler wrote on Mar 31, 2011:

"My sympathies go out to Ron's family. I got the privilege to know and work with Ron at Rochester Methodist Hospital. He introduced me and my sister to cross country skiing...and every time we go cross country skiing we think of Ron! Our thoughts and prayers are with Ramona and the family.Joan"

April Sutor wrote on Mar 31, 2011:

"Ron's family--my thoughts and prayers are with you at this time of loss. I've officiated Volleyball with Ron for 15 years. He's optimism, love of life, and hearty sense of humor always permiated his presence. I know he'll continue to share those gifts where he has gone.April Sutor"

Mike & Karen Hanson wrote on Mar 31, 2011:

"Dear Ramona: Our sympathy to you and your Family. We will remember Ron as a very Loving and Caring friend. I have many good memories of Ron when playing basketball in High School and City League in Rochester. God Bless his Memory. Mike & Karen Hanson"

Mary Ann Weigel wrote on Mar 31, 2011:

"Ramona and family. My prayers and special thoughts for you all as you mourn the death of your husband and father. Though I did not know him, I do know you Ramona and am looking forward to seeing you this summer in Rochester. Godspeed."

Mary Ann Weigel wrote on Mar 31, 2011:

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Tink Larson wrote on Mar 31, 2011:

"My sympathies to Ron's family. What a great guy! I first knew him when we played baseball together at Mankato State before he transferred to Moorhead State. Over the years I would see him a lot through sports in the Rochester area. A very good official. He will be missed by many. God bless."

Debbie Dilling wrote on Mar 31, 2011:

"Ramona and family - Ron was my first mentor at Rochester Methodist Hospital. He was the greatest!! Always so patient and understanding. He also introduced me to running, a passion I still have today. Ron was a 'true' athlete. My thoughts and prayers are with you."

Stan and Kathy Skjei wrote on Mar 31, 2011:

"We are so sorry for your loss of Ron. He was such a caring person. Our thoughts and prayers will be with you during this very difficult time."

Kim Jensch wrote on Mar 31, 2011:

"Family of Ron Digre,My sincere thoughts and prayers for you. I worked with Ron at a few Volleyball matches and consider him to be a great friend and mentor.God's blessings on the memories that you will have to carry you through this time of grief!Kim Jensch"

Ken Blazing wrote on Mar 31, 2011:

"Ramona and family, Ron was a great guy and such a dedicated athlete. I rode in a couple of Sierra Centurian bike ride events that Ron also rode in back in the early 1990's. Most of what I know about cross country skiing and the fine art of ski waxing I learned from Ron. Not only did he enjoy the sport, he was very willing to share his knowledge of skiing with others - so unselfish!Hard to believe he is no longer here! God Bless!!"

Brian J. Kelly wrote on Mar 31, 2011:

"Ron - I am so grateful for having gotten to know you these last seven years through our common passion for officiating football.You accepted me as a bright-eyed 2nd year official without much officiating experience and taught me so much about the game - everything from how to conduct yourself with honor and integrity on the field to how to deal with the "critics in the stands". Your lessons have served me well both on the field and off it in my regular everyday life. This upcoming season will not be the same without your steadying influence but life must go on they say. It just won't be as much fun without you there. I know however that you will be watching our crew on Friday nights from heaven above and preparing your weekly "talking points" for when we meet again.Till that time arrives, may God grant you eternal peace and your family strength in this time of mourning.Brian"

Bob Warda wrote on Mar 30, 2011:

"My thoughts and prayers are wit all of you. I will miss Ron."

Gayle Olson wrote on Mar 30, 2011:

"Dear Ramona and family, Rollie and I send you our love and sympathy. Ron was a dear, kind, loving person. love, cousin Gayle"

Aaron and Christie Moon wrote on Mar 30, 2011:

"So very sorry for your loss. This truly saddens us. You will be in our thoughts and prayers. May God bring you peace in your grief."

Mike Burwell wrote on Mar 30, 2011:

"Very sorry to hear of Ron's death. As his classmate at Madison High, I remember him well not only for his athletic ability, but also for his intelligence. My sympathy goes to Ramona (also a classmate) and family."

Bill and Nancy Rieke wrote on Mar 30, 2011:

"We will miss Ron but celebrate his arrival in heaven. He was a true friend and part of our card club for 30 years. Ramona you are a very special friend. Our sympathies to you and all your family."

Rev. Clayton Skurdahl wrote on Mar 30, 2011:

"Ron was such a classy guy all through our school days. He was one tremendous athlete, but even more importantly he was absolute one tremendous gentleman and a great guy.May we pass the time apart from him until that great reunion, in faith, hope and the love that he manifested.Love in our Lord,Clay"

Mark Stanchfield wrote on Mar 29, 2011:

"I am sorry for your loss. I am a fellow umpire and enjoyed working games with Ron. He will be missed."

Jeff Johnson wrote on Mar 29, 2011:

"Thanks for all of your hard work and dedication to the sports world in this area. You'll be missed.Coach Johnson"

Tim Stelow wrote on Mar 29, 2011:

"I would just like to pass on my sincerest sympathy to Ron's family. I am a fellow official in the Rochester Officials Association and have worked games with Ron and always appreciated his hard work and dedication to the sport. His smile and quick wit will be sorely missed. RIP Ron!"

Marshall David Behrens wrote on Mar 29, 2011:

"I am truly sorry for your loss. I had the privilege of working many athletic events with Ron and he always enjoyed the game and did a great job for the kids. He will be missed greatly by all. I know he will be looking down from a better place on his family and all of the things he loved."

Craig Manahan wrote on Mar 29, 2011:

"To Ron's Family: My sincere condolences on your loss. I had known Ron as a football and basketball official for the past ten years. He was an excellent official and a true gentlemen. He will be missed."

Mike Ott and family wrote on Mar 29, 2011:

"Our deepest sympathies to your family. You will be in our prayers."

Kerry Linbo wrote on Mar 29, 2011:

"So sorry for your loss. I have many fond memories of Ron officiating games that I both played and coached in. He was always a true professional and will be missed."

Ron Rea wrote on Mar 29, 2011:

"Enjoyed playing golf with Ron.Take CareRon Rea"

Dale Dahl wrote on Mar 29, 2011:

"I met Ron through the running community in the 80's. Always a pleasure to talk to him at races and track meets. Sorry for your loss. Dale Dahl"

John & Merrilee Eberhart wrote on Mar 29, 2011:

"We are so very sorry about Ron's passing, he was a GREAT friend and a wonderful person. God's blessing to you Ramona and to the boys and his grand childern. We're really sorry we will not be back in Minnesota for the service, but you will be in our thoughts and prayers. John & Merrilee"

Betty Berg Hyser wrote on Mar 29, 2011:

"For Ramona and Roger and families:I was shocked to get the message from Sharon E. that Ron had passed away. So hard to believe, so close on the heels of the bad news about Dick W.Please accept my sincerest condolences...my heart goes out to all of you today. Many of the classmates have been in touch...we are letting as many people know as we can! Please take care...we will keep you in our prayers and thoughts in the coming days!Love to all!"

dennis jacobs wrote on Mar 29, 2011:

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Mick & Mary Lindberg wrote on Mar 28, 2011:

"Ramona and family,We are so sorry to hear about the death of your husband and father. We are sorry we will not be able to attend the funeral as we are in KS with Derek and Katie. We all send our sympathy. We have known your family since the beginning of Pax Christi church and have many fond memories of Ron. You are all in our thoughts and prayers."