Ronald Louis Kalinowski, 62

Ronald Louis Kalinowski was born on April 11th, 1962, in Grafton, ND, to Ralph and Sharon (Rud) Kalinowski. He spent his first four years teasing his sisters Tammy and Diane until he was blessed with a forever friend, his brother Bob. In 1969, the family left North Dakota and moved to Karlstad, where Ron has since resided. He graduated from Karlstad High School and went on to attend UMC Crookston. Ron started working at a young age, holding various jobs from paper routes, delivering the Grit and Herald, to bagging groceries, pumping gas, and constructing steel bins. He later found work in Grand Forks and the cities, eventually returning to the Karlstad area where he went to work for Polaris. He was often a lead on the re-work team, traveling for projects that took him throughout the states. Ron was admired for his steadfast work ethic, earning yearly awards for his remarkable attendance record. His commitment and reliability were unparalleled, leaving a lasting impression on all who knew him.

After 31 years of dedicated service he retired in 2023, Ron finally had the opportunity to pursue his passion for fishing. He eagerly purchased a “boat,” determined to reel in the elusive 22-inch fish that had long eluded him. Ron remained active, continuing as Gaming Manager at the Karlstad Eagles, a position he held for many years. Additionally, he proudly remained part of the Deer Hunters Association, where he enjoyed the companionship and shared love for the outdoors with fellow members, faithfully paying his dues year after year.

In his free time, Ron enjoyed time with family and friends at the hunting shack: hunting, mowing, planting food plots, and serving as the chief cook. In recent years, weekends were all about going to the family cabin at Island Lake. They’d cruise around on the pontoon, play competitive games of cornhole with his mom as his partner, reel in a few fish, cook up family suppers, and just enjoyed being together making memories.

He was a true Minnesota sports fan, cheering on the Twins and Vikings (though threatening to burn his Vikings gear whenever they made stupid draft picks), and was happy when Blair notified him of their recent draft pick.

Ron left us Friday morning, April 26th at Altru Hospital in Grand Forks, with family by his side; following a short bout with cancer.

He’s survived by his mother Sharon, two sisters, Tammy (Kim) Cole and Diane (Duck) Younggren, brother Bob Kalinowski; seven nieces and nephews, Justin (Nina) Cole, Rick (Jamie) Cole, Stacy (Ryan) Bergstrom, Kaleb (Thea) Kalinowski, Madisyn (Jamison) Brekke, Kailey Younggren and Blair Younggren. Great-nieces and great-nephews, Brett, Lexie, Mariano, Rosaria, Serena and Louie Cole; Jory, Giselle, and Raquela Cole; Trey and Karabella Bergstrom; Jude and Boden Brekke and Beckett Kalinowski.

Preceded by father, Ralph, grandparents Johnnie Rud, Nina Zespy, Frank & Verna Kalinowski and favorite uncle Merv Rud.

Services will be held May 3, 2024 at 10:30a.m. at St. Edward’s Catholic Church in Karlstad, MN. With burial to follow at Huntly Cemetery next to his Dad and near Grandpa (per his wishes). Gathering for family and friends from 5:00-7:00 p.m. May 2nd at St. Edward’s Catholic Church. Austin Funeral Chapel, Hallock.

Austin Funeral Chapel