1939
Ron
2009
Ron Snell
November 24, 1939 — February 15, 2009
Ronald Evert Snell, son of Evert and Eveline (Towner) Snell, was born November 24, 1939 in Morris, Minnesota. He grew up in Chokio where he was baptized and confirmed at the United Methodist Church. Ronnie received his schooling in Chokio, graduating from Chokio High School in 1957. After graduation, Ron lived for a short time in California, before taking a job in Elbow Lake, MN, as a tractor mechanic at Elbow Lake Ford Tractor and Equipment. After nearly 20 years working in Elbow Lake, Ronnie purchased his own truck and began driving as an independent trucker for the next ten years. On February 14, 1975, he was united in marriage to Joyce Randt, and the couple made their home in Chokio. When Ronnie stopped trucking, he opened a mechanic business in Chokio; first working out of Ritter’s Trucking, before moving his business to the old Ford Garage. He later moved to “The Shop”, where he operated his business until retiring in 2008.
Some of Ron’s hobbies included hunting, being around his horses, riding motorcycle and 4-wheelers, and his passion for racing. Whether it was his years as a mechanic for a stock car team; the thousands of miles he traveled to watch BMX races or the countless hours he spent watching and attending NASCAR races, Ronnie truly enjoyed racing on all levels. He also enjoyed baseball and supported the local team in Chokio for many years. More than anything else, he loved spending time with his family, especially when it involved being around his grandchildren and attending their various events.
Ron died on Sunday, February 15, 2009 at Abbott Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis, Minnesota, having lived to reach the age of 69 years.
He is survived by: three children: Brian (Pam) Randt of Kensington, Lori (Ken) Johnson of Pillager and Barb (Paul) Petron of Rice; six grandchildren: Brittany Randt, Krista Randt, Amanda (Chad) Weiss, Mitchell Johnson, Jordan Petron and Mason Petron; two sisters: Dolores (Dennis) Tirevold of Cosmos, Annette (Arnie) Anderson of Gillette, WY; one brother: David (Kathy) Snell of Chokio and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother: George Snell and one sister: Judy Snell.
Arnie Anderson will serve as urn bearer for the service. Honorary urn bearers are Ronnie’s grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Pedersen Funeral Home in Morris is in charge of the arrangements.
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