Ronald Ferson

Ronald Keith Ferson, age 82 of Alexandria, died on Tuesday, December 10, 2013, at the Douglas County Hospital in Alexandria due to a brain hemorrhage. Ron was born on July 8, 1931, to Keith and Lucinda (Spier) Ferson in Bremer County, Iowa. He was raised in the Waterloo, Iowa area until he moved to Stewartville, Minnesota where he graduated from Stewartville High School in 1949. Ron began his US Army career in 1952 and served in Korea, Japan, France, Vietnam, Germany and various posts in the US. While in the military he married Kathleen Avalon Grosz on November 26, 1966. Ron retired from the military on April 30, 1974 having reached the rank of Sergeant First Class. He then relocated to Alexandria. Ron began employment with the State Department of Economic Security in 1975, retiring in 1991. Ron and Kitty built their home in the woods by Cork Lake. They have enjoyed almost forty years living among the wildlife. Seeing deer, turkeys and other critters was a daily occurrence. Ron was an honest disciplined man with a unique sense of humor. He was always ready to lend a hand when needed. Ron was an avid reader of history, stories of the Great Lakes and all the works of James Harriott. Usually his two cats: Milo and Patches accompanied him in this activity. Ron was a long standing member of VFW Post 936. Ron is survived by his wife, Kitty; brothers: Eugene (Mary) of Stewartville, MN, Richard (Barb) of Dexter, MN; sisters: Velma (Ray) Deserano of Waterloo, IA; Mary Ellen Billeaudeux of Chandler, AZ, Mae Miller of Savage, MN; son, Eric and two grandsons residing in France; special sister-in-law: Helen Lake; brother-in-law, Ben Grosz and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, three brother-in laws and sister-in-law, Gwen Tvrdik. Ron your journey here is over. Rest easy until we see you again in that land where we never grow old. Funeral services were held on Saturday, December 14, 2013, 11:00 a.m. at the Anderson Funeral Home with Pastor Grant Aaseng officiating. Casketbearers were Bill and Bradly Lake, Jeff and Steven Tvrdik. Military honors were by American Legion Post 87, VFW Post 936 and Minnesota National Honor Guard. Burial was at Evergreen Cemetery. Arrangements were with the Anderson Funeral Home. www.andersonfuneral.net