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Ronald Philip Wandler died peacefully and surrounded by family on September 6, 2025, aged 84.
Ron was born on May 11, 1941, in New England, North Dakota, to Monica and Florian Wandler. He was quickly chased out of the womb by his twin brother Donald; the twin boys joined their elder brother Kenneth and were later joined by younger brother Bruce to form a family of boys that, by all accounts, was wild and noisy and full of thrills. The boys grew up in Dickinson, North Dakota, where they hunted, fished, rode motorcycles, crashed cars, and everything else imaginable.
As a young man, Ron enlisted in the United States Navy and proudly served his country in Vietnam. During his service, Ron was repeatedly exposed to Agent Orange and suffered health complications throughout his life as a result. Ron was a committed member and supporter of Disabled American Veterans as well as a lifelong member of his local VFW post. Ron’s military experience shaped him in many ways, and deep into his old age he loved to share vivid stories of his experiences with his children and grandchildren.
Ron married Mariann Doll on August 30, 1965, and spent nearly every day of the following sixty years with her. Together they raised a large and rowdy family, schooled in faith and strengthened by adversity. Ron was a dedicated father, working ceaselessly and selflessly through hardships and health concerns to provide for seven growing kids and all their needs. Later in life, in his well-earned retirement, Ron was a deeply joyful grandfather who loved to spend time reading to, joking with, clowning for, and becoming a favorite of his nine grandchildren.
Ron was a hobbyist of amazing variety. He collected stamps and coins, he did woodworking and leatherworking (making his children personalized leather belts and wallets), he played the clarinet and the banjo, he had a home photography developing studio, he was an early computer enthusiast and a voracious reader of all types of books. Most especially, he loved to hunt for and collect rocks, to polish them and display them and talk about them. (His grandchildren quickly learned a trick to avoid bedtime: ask grandpa to talk about rocks.) His life was full and meaningful and he will be missed each day.
Ron was preceded in death by his parents (Florian and Monica) and two brothers (Kenneth and twin Donald). He is survived by his loving wife Mariann; a brother Bruce (Donna); seven children: Deanna (Dave), Jeffery, Lisa (Dale) Topps, Julie, Chad (Kristie), Steven (Carrie), and Michael; and nine grandchildren: Kaylin, Nathan (Emma), Ashley, Jenna, Marissa (Edoardo), Emily, Henry, Nolan, and Eleanor.
Visitation will be held Friday, September 12, 2025, from 4-8 pm at Bakken-Young Funeral & Cremation Services, 728 S Knowles Avenue, New Richmond, WI. Mass of Christian Burial will be Saturday, September 13, 2025, at 11 am at St. Mary’s Immaculate Conception Church, 1265 Ridgeway Street Hammond, WI, with visitation from 10-11 am at the church. Interment will take place at 1:30pm on Monday, September 15, 2025, Lane #3 at Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis, MN. Arrangements are with Bakken-Young Funeral & Cremation Services.
3 Comments
Sympathies to your whole family. May he rest in the peace of Christ.
My memories of Ron will always remain in close to my heart. What a joyful reunion he must be having with all his family and relatives that have left this life before him. Prayers to all his family-he will surely be missed. With Love, Darrell, Rachael and family.
Ron was a man of many words, some were even wise, We’re so sad that we won’t get to hear more of them. He was a good guy, what more is there to say. We will miss him. Our love to you Mary, and to all the kids.
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