Ronald James Petersen, 69, of Cando, ND, passed away September 10, 2013, at his home on the family farm, surrounded by his family, after a short battle with cancer. Memorial Services will be held Saturday, September 14, 2013 at 4:00 PM at the Cando Lutheran Church in Cando with Rev. Bonnie Weaver, officiating. Interment will be at I.O.O.F. Cemetery, Cando, ND. Visitation will be held two hours prior to the service.

Ronald was born May 18, 1944 in Cando, ND to Ernest and Mildred (Krokan) Petersen. He grew up in Cando and graduated in 1962. He was married twice and blessed with three children Robin, Danette and Rusty. Recently he found out he had another son, Robby, that was given up for adoption. They were fortunate enough to correspond through many letters right up until his death. He held various jobs throughout his life including the Koester Ranch, Hendrickson's Gulf, Great Plains Lumber, A&W Standard, Ron's Auto Body, many carpentry jobs and most recently the Towner County Medical Center. In 2006, Ron made history when he was selected "State Caregiver of the Year" in North Dakota. It was the first time in the history of the award that a maintenance person had been chosen. Ron's award was summed up best by saying "Ron received the award not only by doing his job, but that Ron also takes care of the residents' hearts."

Dad, Daddy, Ronnie P, RP, Pete, PaPa Pete and Grampa Ron-  whatever you knew him as, one thing remained the same, he was one-of-a-kind. From the brim of his cowboy hat to the tips of his boots, he was a cowboy inside and out. He lived his life the "Cowboy Way." He lived simply, loved generously, cared deeply and spoke kindly. Ron never ran short of hugs and smiles and handed them out freely. His compassion and generosity was experienced by not only people, but animals as well. He was very in-touch with nature and all of God's creatures. He believed that nothing was really ours, and we are just the caretakers of God's earth. Ron always had a story to tell and his witty sense of humor made them all the more interesting. He had an amazing gift of creativity and was quite the artist. Another man's junk was turned into his treasures. His imagination was endless and he was able to create anything and everything. Ron summed up his life by saying "Don't sweat the small stuff," "I don't have a lot but I have love," and "It's been a long ride, it's been a hard ride, but it's been a good ride." Heaven is fortunate to have gained a one-of-a-kind cowboy angel.

Ron is survived by his children: Robin (Donavan) Rieder of Cando, ND, Danette (Mark) Strom of McIntosh, MN, Rusty Petersen of Grand Forks, ND, Robby Connally of Prattville, AL; sisters: Sharon Neidert of Crawford, NE, Arlene Goergen of Crawford, NE, Karen Miller of Crawford, NE, Joyce (Chuck) Kroll of Bagley, MN; grandchildren: Lauren Rieder, Nolan Rieder, Mallory Rieder, Wyatt Rieder, Makenzie Ohma, Madisyn Norton, Lauren Strom, Bryer Strom, Kallie Green, Kaitlyn Connally; great-granddaughter Peyton Roed; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Gerald Petersen and nephew Jesse Davis.




Condolences:

I would like Ronnie's family to know what great memories I have of him from school He was so quiet until you got to know him ... then he was hilarious! His quirky sense of humor was delightful and his crazy art on notes we passed back and forth was unbelievably clever. He had a great talent. I used to tell him to go get a job with MAD magazine. School was SO much more fun when he was in the classroom. I am so privileged to have known him. Merry Botz







We are so sorry we are unable to attend Ronnie's funeral as we are out of state for a family reunion. We considered Ronnie a good friend. He was a man of many talents and will be missed in the community.  Our sincere sympathy to each of you.   Gary & Shary Johnson







Ronnie was a very special friend.  We left silly notes in each others desk during English class. I still have a whole box full in my closet. He could draw cartoons that were hysterically funny.I saw him off and on over the years and called him about 10 days before he passed away.  He was a fantastic man.  I will never forget him. Sherry Resh (Botz)









Rusty so sorry for the loss of your dad - Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.  Kim & Merlyn Werner









Danette and Rusty, I am so sorry to hear of your dad's passing.  There are not any words I can possibly say to make you feel better at this time.  I can tell you I will keep you both in my prayers.  Keep in touch.  I love you both, Judy Homstad









So sorry to hear about Ronald.  He always reminded me of his Uncle Joel.  Sorry we were unable to attend as have a conflict that had to go to.  Our sympathy to you all.  Love and blessings, Larry and Betty Nygren









I wish to express my deepest sympathy to Ronnie's family for their loss. He was an absolute treasure. When Diane, Butch, and I were growing up, we thought of Ronnie as a part of our family. He helped us with our horses, assisted us with our homework, and got us out of many jams before Dad found out. He had such a gentle spirit and beautiful sense of humor. He once sent our mother a sympathy card for being Butch's mother:) He also used to send us Christmas cards from his horse, Chips. Chips was the only horse we ever knew that baked cookie:) I am grateful to have known him. He made the world a better place. Jody Newman









My heart and prayers are with Ronnie's family during this very difficult time.  He was a wonderful cousin that I enjoyed talking with.  I will miss him.  Lyn Rea (Markwardt)









He was always "Ronny Pete" to me.  He was the one guy I always tried to see when I visited up there.  I think I got to see him every time except once, when my trip was short and we just couldn't get together for various reasons.  Sometimes I would ask my Mother to ask Mildred (they were friends forever) what his schedule was so I could get together with him.  I am sad to know that he is no longer among us.  He was one of a kind and someone you just enjoyed being with, even if it was a short time.  My condolences to his family.   Les Maurseth









As I send my condolences to Ron's family, I think of the memories I have of him.  He sat in front of me in a class and thanks to him, I was able to grasp the functions of an engine!!!  I have many of the same memories that others have shared...........his gentle manner, low keyed humor, and his artistic abilities. Rest in Peace Ronnie. Ardelle Hoffert Biberdorf







We are so sorry to hear of Ronnie's passing.  He was so nice to us and especially to Hilman's Mother Helen.  Helen and Ronnie's mother were friends and Ronnie always stopped in to visit Helen in the home even though she was there quite a long time.  He came to visit and bring her a bulletin from church every Sunday without fail.  We all enjoyed his visits. Hilman and Joyce Benson