Ronald Gebeke

ronald gebeke

Ron was born on April 29, 1934 to Louis and Cecelia (Schmit) in Casselton, ND.  As a child his family moved to Fargo.  He grew up in Fargo and attended St. Anthony’s school.  He worked for Red Owl, Fargo Tank, Travis Bros., and retired from Western Auto Parts after 33 years.  He married Ione on July 5, 1958 in St. Anthony’s.  He served in the US Army from 1954-1956 and was a lifetime member in the VFW.  He was also an active member in the American Legion serving on the color guard.  He was involved with the 40/8 in spaghetti and bingo fundraising.

 

Ron will be missed and remembered by his wife of 52 years, Ione; children, Stefanie (Roger) Torgerson, Kurt, Eugene, Shane (Patty), Rhonda (Troy) Bowlus; grandchildren, Marc (Amy), Eric (Abby), Lucas, Adam Torgerson, Jessica Gebeke, Sarah and Sean Gebeke; 2 great grandchildren, Jakob and Aryn Torgerson; 4 sisters, Lucille Hirchert, Jean Lind, Shirley (Ronnie) Wambach, Anita (Loren) Bjornstad all of Fargo; 1 brother, David (Judy), Albuquerque, NM; numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Louis and Cecelia, brother, Norman, sister, Nancy Beckstrom, brothers-in-law, Wilmore Lind, Les Hirchert, and Harlan Beckstrom.

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  1. fargo North Dakota
    Ione we will miss him for the rest of our lives. He is finally at peace now it is time for you to take time to recover. I can never thank you enough for the care love and patience you bestowed on Ronny and know it was difficult at times and we love you for it. Anita

  2. Buffalo MN
    Ione and kids…my deepest sorrows are with you through this difficult time. I am so sorry I was not able to attend the prayer service or funeral. My parents said they had the time of their life visiting with all of you. They shared many laughs and remembering the fun times at Long Lake. We did have some fun times. I hope all of you are well and will remember the good times with your dad and husband. He was a funny fella and he will be sadly missed. I guess it was his time “to go to bed!” Take care all of you Gebekes and I hope to see you all soon. My thoughts, Stacey and Family

  3. I was sad to here of Ron’s passing. He had a great sense of humor and a beautiful smile. I feel very blessed to have known Ron.

  4. Marion IAEvery year around Christmas I have this memory of way back when I was little girl, I think of this Elf. You see Ronnie and Ione rented one of the apts. above my parents house long time ago, when I was about 8 and Dixie was about 6 (anyway this friend Debbie she lived down the street from us , about a week before Christmas that year she said to me her brother told her if you see an Elf don’t touch him or hug him or you would get blown into the atmosphere and never get back.)
    Every year on Christmas Eve after supper we would go to Grandma Katie house, when we got home later in the evening, we’d opened the front door and find the few toys and presents under the tree, and see the cookies were eaten and the milk was gone and surely Santa Claus had been to our house, we then opened our presents. We asked our parents one time, how come Santa Claus comes earlier to our house before we get home from Grandma Katie’s, they said because our last name starts with a B . Anyway we had just got in the door home from Katies that Christmas Eve and suddenly the door bell rang, I opened the door no one was there so closed the door, again the door bell rang, I opened it again same thing, then it rang the 3rd time, Dixie and I both opened the door, but this time we went out on the porch and on side of the porch here was this really really cute little green Elf he waved at us Dixie and I were giggling with excitement, we couldn’t believe we were seeing a real Elf! He smiled and waved at us again and we waved back, so excited we both ran into the house as fast as we could to get mom and daddy to come out and see the Elf, we saw him once again he waved as we opened the door, but as our parents were about to step out he waved one last time and disapeared. Dixie and I started going down the steps to the side of house to look and find the Elf, then suddenly it hit me, what my friend Debbie said about the Elf so I yelled and stopped Dixie as she was ahead of me going down the steps, not to touch the Elf as Debbie said she will get blown into the atmosphere and you will never see us again, we didn’t see him even though we looked it was cold and dark, so we went back into the house. We kepted telling our parents the Elf really really was there, we didn’t know if they believed us or not, we did keep checking out the door to see if the Elf maybe come back he never did.
    We didn’t know till we were older, our parents finally told us that it was Ronnie that dressed up as an Elf that night, and what a great memory we have still to this day …..

  5. So sorry for your loss. We are in AZ
    so won’t be able to attend service, but our thoughts and prayers are with you.

  6. moorhead mni’m deeply sadden to hear this I worked with Ron at Western Auto I was 16 hired as a parts runner he was a wonderful man I can still hear his voice and laugh he used too call me “easy money” he made a great impact on my life i am honored to know him god bless Brian Jensen

  7. Marion, IAIone and Family
    Although no words can really help ease the loss you bear just know that you are very close in every thought and prayer ((((((BIG HUGS)))))) to each of you.
    (John and Bonnie Bloom daughter)

    Susie Bloom Benore and Perry

  8. Moorhead MN
    My prayers are with you all at this time. I worked with Ron at Western Auto Parts as a counterman. I always loved the way he had a joke to tell whenever you asked.

    He will be missed.

  9. Pelican Rapids MN
    We will miss Ron, he was a wonderful friend and fellow Legionaire. Ione, we know that Ron’s death is difficult for you. We had some wonderful times together over the years. God bless you and your family.

  10. Fargo ND
    Gene & family, know you are in my thoughts and prayers during this most difficulty time. ~Shannon Oye-Brekhus

  11. North Branch MnKurt,Gene,Shane and Family,
    I am sorry to hear of your Dads passing. My heart goes out to you as you deal with your loss.

  12. Sartell MN
    Ione and Family… our thoughts and prayers are with you. I have many fond memories of Ronnie when I was growing up, and my Grandma LaVonne thought the world of him and always told us what he did for her…
    My heart breaks for all of you…

  13. Moorhead MN
    Sincere sympathy to all of you. It has been a very difficult time for you. You need to focus on the happy memories and fun times you had with Ronnie.


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