Ronald West

Ronald "Ronnie" Eugene West was born December 16, 1935, the son of Woodrow Wilson & Evelyn (Engebretson) West, in Granite Falls. He attended school in Granite Falls, graduating in 1953. Ronnie was united in marriage to Dolores "Dodie" Faye Hansen on April 16, 1955. Ronnie served his country in the Minnesota National Guard from September of 1953, until he was honorably discharged in August of 1961. He loved working on the family farm, but made a life working in construction. He worked with his father-in-law until the 1970?s, when he became a self employed contractor. Some of his most memorable projects included building the Annandale, Milroy and Appleton churches and the Rice Memorial Hospital. Ronnie showed the love of God through his hands as he helped build the community of Granite Falls. Ronnie enjoyed bowling, hunting, fishing and woodworking, hobbies he passed on to his nine children. He won numerous bowling trophies through the years and spent hours in the garage making shelves, key chains and any other wood object he could think of. He especially enjoyed deer hunting with his friend, Mike. Once Ronnie retired, he spent time drinking coffee and ?bs-ing? at Tillies and harassing waitresses, nurses and aids (and grandchildren) any chance he got. Ronnie passed away on November 2, 2012, at the Granite Falls Hospital. He was 76 years of age. He is survived by his mother Evelyn West; five sons: Mark (Lori), Michael (Amie), Matthew (Stacy), Martin and Marlan (Dawn); three daughters: Melody (Thomas) Winkleman, Marsha Quidgeon and Monica; two brothers: Woodrow (Nancy) and Richard (Robin); three sisters: Mary (Fred) Hamacher, Susan (Tom) Ryan and Cheryl; sister Margo's family; fifteen grandchildren: Joshua West, D.J. Olsen, Candace Kolander, Jami Mannle, Amanda West, Blake West, Mackenzie West, Anthony West, Sara West, Emily West, Blake West, Jacob West, Clay West, Aubree West and Allie West; ten great grandchildren: Auston Weber, Jyderian West, Alexis West, Kyler Olsen, Danni Jo Olsen, Brooklynn West, Brayton Mannle, Marlee Mitchell, Calin Mannle and Hazel West and many nieces, nephews and Oscar the cat. He was preceded in death by his wife Dodie West; his father Woodrow West; son Mitchell West; one sister Margo Grams; his in-laws Ernest and Anne Hansen.