Ronald Germain

Ronald G. Germain, 58, Henning, MN died Tuesday, November 28 in Clitherall, MN.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, December 2 at 3pm in Holy Rosary Catholic Church, Detroit Lakes.  Visitation will be held Friday, December 1 at David Donehower Funeral Home from 5pm-7pm with a 7pm Prayer Service.  Visitation will also continue at the church one hour prior to Mass.

Ronald Gordon Germain was born to William and Iris (Lytle) Germain on February 15, 1959, in the town of Mandan, ND.  He resided in Mandan until 3rd grade, when he moved with his family to Cando, ND, graduating from Cando Public High School.  It was during these years in Cando when he me the love of his life, Ramona (Holien) Germain, and from there began the pair’s extraordinary love story.

On June 24, 1976, they were united in marriage at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Cando.  The vibrant couple lived in Fargo, ND for a brief time before moving to Portland, ND in 1978.

It was on a pond between Portland and Mayville where Ron began sharing his love and passion for hockey with the local youth.  He grew the program to 4 successful teams, spanning all age levels.  He loved to coach, ref and clean the ice.  In our hearts he will always be May-Port’s original “Mr. Hockey”.  He also served as a volunteer fireman for 11 years while living in Portland.

In 1991, Ron accepted a job managing Tri-County Coop and moved his family to Chokio, MN.  While in Chokio-Alberta, Ron served on the school board for 7 years.

From 2001-2009, he managed Red Lake County Coop in Brooks, MN.  He and Ramona moved to “The Lake” (West Leaf) in 2009.  In the nearby town of Clitherall, he owned and operated “Ron’s Ready Mart”.  Ron had a passion for fishing and took much pride in teaching all of his grandkids to fish.  It was on West Leaf Lake that Ron spent so many selfless hours driving the boat and teaching his kids/grandkids how to water ski, tube and kneeboard.

We were fortunate enough to have countless pontoon rides with Ron and watch many sunsets, which he loved to photograph.

Along with fishing, Ron loved to spend time hunting.  We loved to hunt pheasant and deer with him every year and take all his quarters shaking dice after the hunt.

Grandpa Ron was patient, kind, gentle and loving.  His family, namely his grandkids, were the joy of his life!  He spent countless hours watching us play hockey; he loved the game and loved to share his passion with us.  He truly was our biggest fan.

Ron was a man of few words, so when he spoke, we all listened.

Ron is survived by his constant and loving companion since age 15, his wife of 40 years, Ramona, his children Ronica (Shiloh) Wahl and Royce (Erica) Germain, both of Detroit Lakes, MN, his beloved grandchildren Emma, Easton, Elliot & Eagen Wahl, Carson, Noah & Landon Germain, his siblings Carol (Jack) Crumley, Pat (Darlene) Germain, Ray Germain, Kevin (Roseann) Germain, Scott (Nancy) Germain, Bev (LeRoy) Baker, Mike (Nancy) Germain, Rick (Janice) Germain, Becky (David) Boedecker, Lisa Bachmeier, and Justin (Ruth) Germain and countless nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents, William & Iris Germain, his brother William Germain Jr., his nephew Blake Bachmeier and niece Raeanne Germain.