Ronald Leroy Bigelow, 79, Minot, formerly of Makoti, died Wednesday, February 13, 2013 at his farm near Makoti.

Ronald was born March 2, 1933 at Makoti, North Dakota the son of John and Nyda (Aamot) Bigelow. He was raised and educated at Makoti and graduated from Makoti High School in 1951. He enlisted with the U.S. Army on May 7th, 1953 and honorably served his country until 27 April 1955. While serving his country in Germany he met his future bride and love of his life of 58 years.

Ronald was united in marriage to Maria O. Bischof on December 23, 1955 at Makoti, He attended NDSU at Fargo from 1957-1958. Their first home was in Donnybrook where Ronald worked for Ray McGuire as a mechanic, they next moved to the Makoti area where he started farming and ranching. In 1961 Ronald and Maria moved to the current Bigelow farm approximately 2 miles North and 2 miles East of Makoti. During their time at the farm they raised three children and spent much time farming and ranching which was Ronald's passion. Ronald worked for Uncle Donald (McGuire) as a carpenter building homes in the area in between farming and ranching. In 1997 they left the farm and moved to Minot. Ronald's passion for farming and ranching drew Ronald back to the farm almost daily after they moved to Minot.

Ronald was a former member of the Makoti Methodist Church and Hope Lutheran Church where he served on the Church Council. He was a past treasurer of the Orlien Township for ten years. He is a lifetime member of the William Hanson American Legion Post#230, Veterans of Foreign War, Disabled American Veterans, The Moose Lodge, and is a current member of Our Redeemers Lutheran Brethren Church.

Ronald was proud of all his children and their successes. Ronald loved and was loved back by all his children, his grandchildren and his great-grandchildren. His loving family includes his wife, Maria; children, Nancy (Curt) Latendresse, Minot; LaDonna (Whitford) Dwyer, Bismarck, and Steve (Deann) Bigelow, Makoti; seven Grandchildren, four Great-Grandchildren, several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Ronald was preceded in death by his parents and his grandparents.

Funeral service: Monday, February 18, 2013 at 11:00am in Our Redeemer's Lutheran Brethren Church, Minot.
Interment: Tuesday at 11:00am at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery, Mandan.
Public Family service: Sunday at 5:30pm in Our Redeemers Church.
Visitation: Sunday from Noon 5:00pm in Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.