Ronald Plath

Ever the optimist, gifted with a mischievous sense of humor and an enviable talent for napping anywhere, Ronald Plath passed away on Sunday, October 8, 2017 at Bethany Retirement Living in Fargo. Ron was born on July 17, 1944 to Wilfred “Bill” and Agnes (Peck) Plath in Fargo, ND. Growing up on the family farm outside Davenport with sisters, Marion and Beryl, he developed a lifelong love of animals and farming. After attending and graduating from Casselton High School in 1962, he went on to attend NDSU to study animal science. There he joined the Sigma Chi Fraternity and it was during his time at college that he’d meet Grace Reger, a home economics student. They married July 29, 1967 St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Fargo. While still active in the Air National Guard, Ron accepted a position as a soil conservationist in Dickinson and the newlyweds moved. After almost a year and a half, Ron and Grace returned to Davenport to operate the family farm. Soon after welcoming daughter, Cathy and later son Brandon, Grace became ill. Ron, while both farming and raising cattle, would devote much of the rest of his life to her care. It was in this realm that his true compassion shined. The devotion to both his work and to the love of his family is truly his legacy. He is survived by his children, Catherine (Eric) Lee, Davenport, ND; Brandon (Tami Nelson) Plath, Denver, CO; grandson, Dexter Lee; sister, Beryl Rourke, St. Paul, MN; brothers-in-law, Frank Hodgman, Claremont, MN and Jan Peterson, West Yellowstone, MT; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Grace; and sister, Marion Peterson. There will be a visitation from 6-7:00 PM with a prayer service following at 7:00 PM on Wednesday, October 11, 2017 at Boulger Funeral Home and Celebration of Life Center, Fargo. The funeral service will be at 10:00 AM on Thursday, October 12, 2017 at the Mavis Whiting Chapel in Bethany Retirement Living, Fargo with a visitation one hour prior.