Ronald J. Neshem , Minot, 81, Minot and longtime Lonetree area farmer, died Monday, August 13, 2018 in a Minot hospital.

Ronald was born July 11, 1937 in Minot, ND to Joseph and Evelyn (Guttormson) Neshem. He grew up in the Lonetree area on the family farm and completed his education as a graduate of Des Lacs High School in 1956. He went to NDSU briefly and also attended a welding class in Minot, which he put his new skills to use helping build the Des Lacs school addition in 1964.

Ronald was joined in marriage to Ardis Larson on June 23, 1957 at St. John's Lutheran Church in Ryder, ND. They made their home on the Neshem family farm for a couple of years prior to moving to a farm located 9 miles south of Lonetree. For almost 60 years, they raised small grains and cattle and Ronald drove truck for various companies in the winter months before buying and operating his own trucks and hauling grain, cattle, and machinery. They moved to Minot in 1989.

Ronald was a member of Bread of Life Lutheran Church in Minot and was a former member of Zion Lutheran in Berthold and the Des Lacs Methodist Church. He was active on many boards including the Ward County Public Library board, Ward County Historical Society, elevator boards, and all of the church councils for the churches he belonged to. He loved to read books with a western theme and enjoyed the stories of his favorite Author, Louis L'Amour. He enjoyed camping with his grandchildren at Camp of the Cross. He will be missed by all who shared in his life and often claimed his vacation time would be spent in Heaven.

Ronald's family includes his loving wife of 61 years, Ardis, Minot; children, Katherine (Gayle) Fimreite, Minot, Thomas (Sharon) Neshem, Minot, Janet (Gayl) Gregory, Berthold, ND, Donald (Kathy) Neshem, Berthold and David (Stephanie) Neshem, Rochester, MN; grandchildren, Michael, Amanda and Melissa Fimreite, Daniel (Tanna) Neshem, Andrea Neshem, Brittna (fianc Ian Richards) Gregory, Emilee (Miles Knudsvig) Gregory, Ronni Jo Gregory, Elizabeth, Makenzie, Emma and Kaleb Neshem, and Andrew, Aaron and Aidan Neshem; great-grandchildren, Brekken and Danika Neshem and Jackson Knudsvig. Family also includes brother-in-law Derald (Beverly) Larson and sister-in-law Vivian Larson along with several nieces and nephews and many cousins.

Ronald was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Clifford Earl Neshem, sister-in-law Allene Neshem, and brother-in-law LaVerne Larson.

Celebration of Ronald's Life: 10:00 a.m. Friday, August 17, 2018 at Bread of Life Lutheran Church, Minot.
Visitation: Thursday, August 16, 2018 from 3:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at the Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.
Memorials are preferred to Camp of the Cross, Ward County Historical Society or to an organization of the donor's choice.