Ronald D Purrier

Ronald Dale Purrier, 64, of rural North Mankato died August 6, 2009 at ISJ hospital in Mankato from injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident on July 21, 2009.

Funeral Service will be at 10:30 a.m., Monday, August 10, 2009 at Christ the King Lutheran Church with Rev. Steve Kidder officiating. Burial will be in Kern's Oak Grove Cemetery, rural North Mankato. Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m., Sunday, August 9, 2009 at Mankato Mortuary and will continue one hour prior to the service at the church on Monday. In Lieu of flowers memorials may be given to Kern's Oak Grove Cemetery or Christ the King Youth Program.

Ron was born on January 29th, 1945 to Fred and Olga (Lanz) Purrier of Mankato. Ron grew up in Norseland, MN until his family moved to North Mankato in his junior year of high school. Ron graduated from Mankato High School in 1963. After graduating, Ron enlisted in the U. S. Air Force as a jet engine mechanic. On November 12th, 1963 Ron married Lois Darge of Mankato, MN while on leave and they immediately moved down to Abilene, TX where Ron was stationed. He was deployed to Vietnam from November 1965 to December 1966. His wife and daughter joined him in Dover, DE where he was stationed until he was discharged in June 1967. He then returned with his wife and daughter to the Mankato area where they made their residence until his death.

After returning to Mankato, Ron was employed at Gopher Welding Supply from 1967 to 1973. He became a self-employed trucker leased through Minnesota Permit Truckers from 1973-1994. From 1994 until he retired in 2007 he worked for Belgrade Township.

Ron grew up on the farm and the farmer never got out of his blood. He enjoyed helping his good friend farm during the spring and fall of the year. Ron was also an avid motorcycle rider, enjoyed watching the Minnesota Vikings, loved being outdoors and especially enjoyed hunting, fishing, riding his ATV, and traveling on as many different roads across the U.S. as he could. Ron was known to be a hard worker and even after retirement seemed to always be helping out one of his many friends with a variety of tasks. When Ron did find time to relax he enjoyed reading and spending time with his family.

Ron will be remembered as his family and friends as a person that was always willing to lend a hand, for his quick wit and sense of humor and for his kind and loving heart.

Ron was a member of VFW, American Legion, DAV, and the Minnesota Deer Hunters Association.

Ron is survived by his wife and love of his life, Lois; daughter, Sherry Stagg (Jeff) of North Mankato, MN; son, Chad Purrier (Candy) of Idaho Falls, ID; four grandsons, Skyler Purrier (17), Austin Stagg (15), Brandin Stagg (13), and Brayden Purrier (6).

He was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Olga Purrier; his two brothers, Dwayne and Garold; and his three sisters, Geraldine, Darlene, and Lorene.