Ronald T. Ellegard, 70, of Albert Lea, Minnesota, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, Aug. 3, 2019, at his home in Albert Lea.

Ron was born June 2, 1949, in Albert Lea, the son of Vernon and Harriet (Nelson) Ellegard. Ron graduated from Albert Lea High School in 1967 and enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1969. He was honorably discharged in 1971 from the USS Oriskany CVA-34. Ron completed his college education at Riverland College and specialized in auto body repair. In 1977, Ron was united in marriage to Susan (Leidal) Goodnature; they later divorced. Their union brought Kelly (step-daughter), Kerri, Kristy and Rory. Ron kept himself very active throughout his years with a variety of jobs and hobbies. He spent a few years farming, working at the Hayward Elevator, and driving a gravel truck. Ron had a passion and gift for auto body repair. He worked out of his home to repair cars and trucks for family and friends. Ron later retired from Enderes Tool Company and the Steelworkers Union 6803.

Ron was a member of the Oakland Lutheran Church. He enjoyed riding motorcycles, reading Louis L’Amour, watching John Wayne Westerns, the Vikings, Twins and Nascar. Ron loved to travel, often hitting the road to explore new adventures. He frequently traveled to spend time with his family in Arizona. Ron enjoyed attending veteran events and having morning coffee with his good friends at McDonalds. One of his greatest joys was the time he spent with his children and grandchildren. Ron was “Grandpa” to the letter; whether it was spending time with the boys on the farm, riding ATVs, playing in the pool with the girls, sliding down Skinner’s Hill, going on a spontaneous adventure or wearing the ugly sweater at Christmas, Ron was about doing it all. He valued family, cherished his grandchildren and treasured the time with his children.

Ron is survived by his children, Kelly (Laurie Oelslager) Goodnature of Mankato, Minnesota, Kerri Ellegard of Minnesota Lake, Minnesota, Kristy (Jon Rathke) Ellegard of Austin, Minnesota, and Rory (Reina) Ellegard of Chandler, Arizona. Grandchildren include Karter, Kole, Ashley, Kaylee, Brinley and Cooper. One sister survives, Karen (David) VanReese of Hollandale, Minnesota; niece, Tiffany (Brent) Smith and their daughter, Emily; nephew, Timothy (Amber) VanReese and their son, Hunter; aunt, Marlene Wiese of Iowa; and many cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, Vernon and Harriet (Nelson) Ellegard; grandparents; great-uncle, Henry Ellegard; an aunt; an uncle; and cousins, including Colby Sailor and Greg Hatle.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 10, 2019, at the Oakland Lutheran Church in Oakland Township, Minnesota, with Pastor Joshua Enderson officiating. Visitation will be held from 4-7 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 9, 2019, at Bonnerup Funeral Service in Albert Lea and will continue for one hour prior to the service on Saturday at the church. Interment will be in the Oakland Cemetery. Military honors will be accorded by the Albert Lea Area Veterans Group.