Ronald W. Hobson

Ronald (Ron) Winston Hobson, age 99 of Brainerd, Mn. passed away peacefully at his Woodland Good Samaritan apartment on July 19th, 2022, with his son and daughter at his side.

He was born to Claude and Hazel (Lauritsen) Hobson on May 30th, 1923, in Schuyler, Nebraska. In 1931 the family moved to Bemidji, MN where they put down permanent roots.  Ron graduated from Bemidji High School in 1941 and continued onto college for a semester and then took a detour to Superior, Wisconsin where he did 12 weeks vocational school and then worked 7 months at the shipyards there. Then back to Bemidji to finish his freshman year.

His education was interrupted in 1943 when he enlisted in The Navy Air Corps for 2 1/2 years of active duty where he earned his wings as an aviator, flying fighter planes, including the Corsair. He finished training about the time that WW2 was ending in 1945. Ron headed back to school graduating in 1949 from Bemidji State University with his bachelor’s degree in math and engineering.  He went on to receive his master’s degree in Greeley, Colorado focusing on education.
 

In 1947, while in college, Ron married Patsy Jean Sorenson from Tenstrike, Mn.
 

After teaching a few years in Boulder, CO they moved to Brainerd in 1951.
 

Ron became part of the Minnesota Air Naval Reserves, settled into teaching Industrial Arts at Franklin Junior High and started their family. He retired in 1983 to become care giver to his wife who passed in 1985 at the age of 58.
 

He loved bowling, golf, water skiing at his lake place, making maple syrup and creating gems from diamond willow... but the highlights of his life were his friends and family, immediate and extended.
 

He was a beloved son, brother, husband, father, father-in-law, grandfather, great grandfather, and uncle and all adored him.
 

Preceding Ron in death were his parents, his wife, and 2 brothers, Rodney of Stillwater, MN. and Richard of Lansing, MI.
Ron is survived by his son, Steven Hobson (Leslie Goodwin), grandson Zach Hobson, granddaughter Rachel Bacon (Tyler) and great-grands Winston and Hazel.
 

Ron is survived by his daughter, Sue Knudsen (Jim) granddaughter Kelli Schmitz (Jason) and great-grand Lily. Granddaughter Nikie Olmsted (Billy) and great-grands Liam, Bridger, and Rosalie.
 

The celebration will be held Tuesday, August 9th at Park United Methodist Church, 315 North 6th street, Brainerd. Visitation starts at 10, service at 11 with luncheon to follow.
 

Burial will be at the Minnesota Veteran’s Cemetery, Camp Ripley at a later date for immediate family.
 

Flowers or memorials welcome... either to a cause of your choice or undesignated funds will be donated to Bemidji Golden Beaver Alumni association. Cards also welcome: Sue Knudsen 17453 Rivers Trail Brainerd, Minnesota 56401

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