Ronald Jean Jasper

Jasper, Ronald Jean of Corcoran, MN - cherished husband, dad, brother-in-law, uncle, Papa and friend, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his family on May 4th, after a brief battle with cancer. Preceded in death by his loving parents and two infant sisters. His legacy is one of love; evident in how he displayed his affection for those close to him, especially his wife and 5 children, who will miss him so much. Born on August 28th, 1943 to Cyril and Magdaline (Toots) Jasper, Minneapolis. As their only child, he was adored by his parents throughout his life. Much of his childhood was spent with aunts, uncles and cousins that taught him the value of family and the love of God. Ron attended St. Anne's grade school in Minneapolis, where he enjoyed being an altar server. He then went on to graduate from De LaSalle high school in the class of 1961. He attended the University of Minnesota - College of Liberal Arts - before he started his family in 1963 and began his distinguished 45 year career at the Star Tribune newspaper. Ron knew more than anyone else how to print the newspaper; he often said ink ran in his blood. He was respected and admired by his peers. During his tenure, he held many management positions, taught several management courses, was the two-time President of the 20 Year Club, Co-chairman of the United Way campaign and as a long-time member of the GCIU, he played an integral part of negotiating tough union contracts for both the union, and later, the company. Ron had many hobbies and interests during his lifetime. He was an avid reader (often reading two novels a week), master cribbage player (most proud of his perfect 29 hand), a talented artist (whether it were free-hand drawing, painting or pinstriping cars), building models (especially the replica he built of the USS Constitution), having fun playing Blackjack with his wife at the casino, and spending much of his time outdoors gardening, splitting wood, and filling his bird feeders. In the evenings, he enjoyed sitting by his wood burning stove while sipping on a brandy or two. Ron loved his family vacations, especially when they would go to the North Shore, summer cabins, Las Vegas, Cruises and spending the last 15 winters in Florida with family and friends. His family will remember him for how he showed his love and how proud he was of each and every one of them. He adored his wife, Debbi, who was his true soul mate. Ron had such a peaceful presence with his easy-going, laid back nature. His intelligence, quick wit and sense of humor were second-to-none, something that everyone who knew him appreciated. Survived by his devoted wife of 42 years, Debra; children, Scott Jasper, Julie (John) Edstrom, Nick (Jamie) Jasper, Matt (Molly) Jasper, Michelle (Jason) Petersen; grandchildren, Kendall & Megan Edstrom, Alani & Linnea Jasper, Mary & Ryan Jasper, Francis, Vincent & Magdalene Petersen; special sisters-in-law, Terri Behl and Jeanette Wuollett; brother-in-law, Mark Ennen; special friends, Fran Myran & Pam Pauley and many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends A special thank you to his care team, especially Dr. Jeddeloh and Dr. Schaffhausen and North Memorial Hospice. Visitation will be Thursday, May 16th from 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. with memory sharing at 6:00 p.m. at Gearty-Delmore Plymouth Chapel, 15800 37th Avenue North. Mass of Christian Burial will be Friday, May 17th at 11:00 a.m. with visitation continuing one hour prior to the mass at St. Michael Catholic Church, 11300 Frankfort Pkwy NE, St. Michael, MN. Interment will be at the St. Michael Catholic Cemetery in St. Michael. gearty-delmore.com

Published on May 12, 2024