Ronald Bengtson

Ronald “Ron” Bengtson, 78, of Paynesville, died Tuesday, October 7 at the St. Cloud Hospital. His memorial service will be 11:00 am, Wednesday, October 15 at Paynesville Lutheran Church. Visitation will be one and a half hours prior to the service. Private burial will take place at Burr Oak Cemetery. Arrangements are with Johnson Funeral Home in Paynesville.   

Ron Bengtson was born on April 9, 1947, to Troy and Delores (Dornsbach) Bengtson in Litchfield, Minnesota. He was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith. Ron spent his early years in Litchfield before his family moved to Crow River in 1957. He graduated from Paynesville High School in 1965.

Following high school, Ron began working as a millwright, belonging to Local 548, a trade he truly loved. His skill and dedication were well known, and he was often called upon for his expertise. Ron continued this work proudly until his retirement in 2004.

On March 16, 1968, Ron was united in marriage to Viola Davis at First Presbyterian Church in Litchfield. Together they were blessed with six children. In 1971, Ron and Viola made their home in Crow River, where they lived for 53 years before moving to Paynesville.

Ron and Viola were members of Paynesville Lutheran Church. Ron had a deep appreciation for music, western movies, and the beauty of the mountains—especially Beartooth Pass. He enjoyed road trips, hunting, woodworking, and exploring his family history, often recalling stories and relatives from across the country. Above all, he cherished time spent with his family, particularly his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who meant the world to him. Ron’s open garage door was a familiar sight—always a sign that friends and family were welcome to stop in.

Ron is survived by his wife, Viola; children, Gordon (Robyn) Bengtson, Guy (Mary) Bengtson, Brian (Sharla) Bengtson, Christopher Bengtson, Ranae Bengtson, and Katie (Kurt) Fleischhacker; nine grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his siblings, Richard (Sharon) Bengtson, Doris (Wyman) Nepsund, Ray Bengtson, Dorothy Bengtson, and Tony (Deb) Bengtson, along with many nieces and nephews.

Ron was preceded in death by his parents, Troy and Delores; sisters: Diane Bengtson and Fay Warta.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Ronald Bengtson, please visit our floral store.