It is with great sadness that the family of Ronald “Dwight” Ault, 87, announces his passing after a long battle with dementia. Dwight passed away on Tuesday, April 24, 2018, surrounded by his family.

Dwight was born to parents Cassie and C.G. Ault on June 6, 1930, on his home farm in Bayard, Iowa. He grew up with his older brothers Joe and Louis, enjoying farm life in Iowa. He graduated from Bayard High School in 1948 and served for two years in the U.S. Army. He graduated from Iowa State University in agronomy in 1957. Iowa State is where he met Becky. They were married in 1957. He began a career in agriculture as an assistant county agent in Albert Lea, Minnesota. As his childhood on the farm was so impactful, Dwight decided to go into farming himself in 1961 in Scranton, Iowa, near his home farm. They had four children during this time. He and Becky bought their farm in Austin, Minnesota, in 1970 and it is there that the family resided.

Dwight was an avid conservationist and was a pioneer in the sustainable agriculture movement. He worked with many environmental organizations in this arena and was on the boards of both the Minnesota Food Association as well as the Land Stewardship Project for many years, as well as being active with the Animal Welfare Institute, Practical Farmers of Iowa, Izaak Walton League, Farmers Union and the Union of Concerned Scientists. He dedicated his life to the care of the Earth and the welfare of farm animals. His legacy will live on for many years.

Dwight will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 60 years, Becky; their children, Kurt (Lynn), David (Lisa), Grant, and Melissa (John); seven grandchildren, Erin (Blake), Megan (Andy), Anna, Andy, Erik, Ian and Thalie; and three great-grandchildren, Laken, Micah and Holden.

A memorial service in memory of Dwight will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, May 5, 2018, at the First United Methodist Church in Austin with the Rev. Dennis Tamke officiating. The Ault family will greet friends from 5-7 p.m. on Friday, May 4, 2018, at the Worlein Funeral Home in Austin and from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday prior to the service at the church. Those who so desire may make memorial donations in memory of Dwight to the Austin Chapter of the Izaak Walton League, 1104 Third St NW,  Austin, MN 55912, or to the First United Methodist Church, 204 1st Ave NW, Austin MN 55912. Worlein Funeral Home of Austin is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.worlein.com.