Ronald Clayton Howard, age 73 of Prior Lake, passed away Wednesday, November 12, 2014. The Celebration of Life Service is Saturday, November 15, 2014 at 11:00 AM at Bridgewood Church; 6201 w. 135th St.; Savage, MN with a gathering of family and friends from 9:30 – 11:00 AM. Pastor Dave Huizenga will lead the service.
Ronald C. Howard was born on May 9 th 1941 in Thief River Falls, Minnesota, to Clarence and Mildred Howard. Throughout his childhood Ron helped on the family farm which created his lifelong love for the outdoors. While attending high school in Goodridge, he developed an interest in sports earning him a football scholarship to Bemidji State where he attended college.
On June 10 th 1967, Ron was united in marriage to Sharon Fagen of Maynard, Minnesota, in the Maynard Lutheran Church. They began their life together farming near Thief River Falls surrounded by family and friends. They were blessed with two sons, Timothy and Christopher. In 1989, Ron and Sharon decided to relocate their growing family to the Minneapolis area and settled in Prior Lake. Ron was employed by Advance Machine as a machinist where he worked for 20 years until his retirement.
Ron was a loving husband to Sharon, a great father to Tim and Chris and a wonderful grandfather to his grandchildren, Jake, Brody, Harper and Avery. He saw the usefulness of objects and parts that could have been discarded and much to the delight of his grandsons had amassed a treasure trove to be discovered. Ron and Sharon enjoyed retirement and traveling. Ron was very active and enjoyed walking and exercising, biking, snowmobiling, fishing, and navigating the pontoon around Prior Lake with Sharon, his family and friends. He was also an avid reader and could often be found quietly engrossed in a book with a piece of pie or some other treat from Sharon’s kitchen. Ron was an active member of Bridgewood Church. Ron and Sharon enjoyed many close friends within the Church family.
The Lord called Ron to Heaven the morning of Wednesday, November 12, 2014 when he passed away suddenly in his home. Ron will be remembered always by his loving wife, Sharon; sons, Timothy (Angela) Howard and Chris (Kassi) Howard; grandchildren, Jake, Brody, Harper and Avery; brother, Duane (Claudia) Howard; sister, Rosemary Kragness; other loving relative and many close friends. Ron is preceded in death by his parents, Clarence & Mildred and infant brother, Arden.
The Howard family is served with honor, care and compassion by Ballard-Sunder Funeral & Cremation.
