Ronald "Ron" Einarson Almquist, 73, Minot, formerly of the Upham area, died Tuesday, November 8, 2011. Ron was born October 31, 1938 in Minot, North Dakota, the son of John Olaf and Hilda (Einarson) Almquist. He was raised on the family farm near Upham and graduated from Upham High School in 1956. He attended the University of North Dakota for one year before returning to assist his father with the operation of the family farm. He moved to Los Angeles, CA, where he was employed as a welder with General Motors for two years. Upon returning to North Dakota, he enlisted with the US Army serving as the highest level security military policeman at Sandia Base, New Mexico. The Cuban Crisis flared after his high school sweetheart had already mailed off the wedding invitations. The Pastor pleaded with Ron's commander and the couple was then married as scheduled on November 4, 1962. The couple made their first home in Albuquerque, NM for six years. Ron served his country for 2 years. He then graduated from Heights Beauty College working a short stint in hairdressing followed by a job with Triple A. West Fargo, ND was their home for thirteen years where Ron worked for Woodman Accident & Life insurance, Brach's Candy Company and for Fargo Water Equipment. In 1980, he was transferred and moved the family to Minot, ND. The couple welcomed three foreign exchange students in their home; Dagfinn Matre, Norway; Gudmar Gudmundsson, Iceland and Julianne Mier, Germany. Ron retired from Cretex West formerly known as North Dakota Concrete Company. He was an active member and Trustee of Our Redeemers Church. A natural leader, Ron was chairman of the Burlington Township board and served on other boards in the construction industry. Ron gave countless hours and his considerable talent making North Dakota's government, at all levels, serve its citizens better. He enjoyed traveling with his wife Clayann, hunting, fishing, gardening and especially family. Ron's loving family includes , wife of 49 years, Clayann Almquist; children, Laine (Lisa) Almquist, Chetek, WI; Laune (Mike) Schaefer, Lisbon, ND; Lynne Almquist (Terry Summers, friend), Kansas City, MO; grandchildren, Lindsey, Erik, Sarah & Alex Almquist; Michael (Kelly) Schaefer & Kelsey (Michael) Hegle; brother, Gordon Almquist, Hawley, PA; sisters, Karen (Hjalmer) Carlson, Minot and Mary Gossett, Manistee, MI; several nieces, nephews and cousins.
Ron was preceded in death by his parents. Clayann and the family wish to express our heartfelt appreciation to all for your love, prayers, and support during this time of loss and celebration of the life of Ron. Special thanks go to Bob & Susie Hale, George & Bonnie Kemper and Clayann's brother Mike Kitzman and so many others for their generous support not only during this loss but also during the recent flood and displacement of the couple. Funeral service : Monday, November 14, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. in Our Redeemers Lutheran Brethren Church, Minot.
Interment: Ash Grove Cemetery, rural Upham, ND
Visitation: Sunday from noon-5:00 p.m. in Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.
In liew of flowers and plants the family prefers memorials to Our Redeemers Church or an organization of the donor\'s choice.
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