Ronald Kaeslin
August 5, 1932 ~ June 28, 2020
Ronald G. Kaeslin (Ron), 87, resided in Fargo, N.D. slipped the surly bonds of earth on 28 June 2020 at Riverview Place in Fargo. Ron had moved to Fargo to be near his daughter after living in Elk Grove California for approximately 35 years. He was in hospice care and was surrounded by his daughters and Riverview staff at the time of his passing.
Ron was born in McKeesport, PA to Herman and Helen (Alexander) Kaeslin. He graduated from high school in Greensburg, PA. After high school Ron worked in drafting and highway construction where he was a highway foreman. He turned down an opportunity to attend West Point and joined the Air Force in 1952. Ron went to basic training followed by Officer Candidate School and became a navigator in 1954. He flew in the B-36 and the B-52. Ron had over 8,400 hours as a navigator during his career which included over 1,000 hours in the B-36 and 7,300 in the B-52 with the remaining hours in various aircraft. He served during the Korean War, Vietnam and the Cold War, a career spanning nearly 30 years, which included many deployments to Guam, Thailand, and Japan. Ron served as a navigator, radar navigator, instructor navigator/flight examiner and Commander.
Early in his career, Ron met and married the love of his life, Patricia (Sullivan) Kaeslin, of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. The Air Force took them to many different places to call home throughout the United States as well as an assignment to Germany. During their retirement years, Ron built the beloved family cabin on Coeur d’Alene lake. His attention to detail was unmatched, the cabin was perfectly square in all aspects, and with the help of lifelong friends, Ron and Pat’s dream came to fruition. They continued to enjoy their dream, even when Pat became seriously ill, and Ron became her primary care giver for 10 years. He felt strongly about his marriage commitment and wanted to uphold the “for better or worse” part of that commitment.
Ron’s hobbies included time at the lake, fishing, and golfing. He was a true family man and throughout his life, family always came first, whether it was choice in Air Force assignments, traveling, camping, horses, and enjoying outdoor activities together.
He is survived by his daughters Lori Kaeslin and Tracy Kaeslin (Denise), both of Moorhead MN, his nephews Cliff Morris (Nell) of Ellijay,Georgia and Ronnie Morris (Debbie) of Pittsboro, North Carolina, great niece/nephews, several cousins and many friends. He was preceded in death by his wife, Pat, his mother and father, his sister, Doris, and his mother in law and father in law.
A service will be held on July 17, 2020 at Boulger Funeral Home, Fargo ND at 10 am, officiated by Pastor Michelle Webber. The service in Fargo will be live streamed for viewing. There will be a service 3 August 2020 in Coeur D’Alene Idaho at 1100, English Funeral Home followed by burial in Forest River Cemetery. The family requests attendees follow social distancing guidelines and wear masks at both services.
In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests donations be sent to Riverview Place, 5300 12th St S, Fargo, ND 58104. Please annotate the donations are “in memory of Ron Kaeslin”.
The family would like to thank Riverview Place for all they have done for Ron while he lived in independent and assisted living, with a special thank you for their care and compassion during his last few weeks. The family also thanks CHI Hospice for their care and compassion they provided Ron and the family.
A memorial service will be held at10:00 a.m. on Friday, July 17, 2020at Boulger Funeral Home and Celebration of Life Center, Fargo. To sign the online guestbook, go to www.boulgerfuneralhome.com.
Streaming will start 15 minutes prior to service. You may need to refresh your browser at that time.
Ron was a very special soul and it was a privilege to know and serve him during his time at Riverview. May God bless him with eternal life!
Always enjoyed visiting with Ron and his daughters over lunch. He was such a joy and a wonderful neighbor to my Mom, Janet Whaley. May you rest easy Ron. Thank you for your kindness and wonderful sense of humor. My deepest sympathy to your daughters, other family members and friends.
Unfortunately I did not know Ronald. I am a friend of his daughter, Tracy. I would like to send my condolences to Tracy and her family on behave of her motorcycle sisters.
I worked part-time as a van driver for a number of years at Riverview Place and got to know Colonel Kaeslin quite well. I, as a fellow veteran, always addressed him by his rank in the Air Force. On day, he told me that he was no longer an Air Force Officer and I told him he earned that rank and he would thus ALWAYS be a Colonel! There was, of course, a lot of what goes on when you get Veterans together…interservice rivalry!
The Colonel was an Officer and a Gentleman, quick with a quip, and an easy laugh, and more importantly, a dear and valued friend. I will miss him greatly! Fly high and sure on this mission ,Colonel!
My sincerest condolences on the passing of your dad. He was such a great role model for your family. A true american, the love of his country was shown through his service in the Air Force. He was such an interesting person to talk to and always had a story to tell. Hoping the memories of your dad will give you peace at this time.
My deepest sympathy on the loss of your Dad. He was a really nice man. You are all in my prayers.
I knew Ron though our Church in Moorhead. He was such a fun guy to joke around with. Fly with the angels, Ron!
Beautiful service, thank you for the opportunity to be able to view. What a privilege it has been to know Ron and all of you. Take good care of each other!
I am so sorry for the loss of your dad, Tracy and my condolences also to Denise and your entire family. I feel so honored to have gotten to meet Ron and visit with him on a number of occasions over the past few years. I really loved his stories! He was definitely a great man.
My deepest sympathy in the passing of your father and uncle, Ron. He was a pleasure to know as a neighbor of my father and mother, Edward and Elizabeth Clark, at Riverview. He always had a smile and a warm greeting! The video was a joy to watch as it reflected on his life in so many stages and places!
May you rest in the peace that Ron is being held in the Palm of eternal happiness.
Ann Clark-Whitlock