Ronald R. Wolter

If you knew Ronald “Ron” Ray Wolter, pick up the nearest glass and raise it high: the world lost a great man when Ron passed from Earth to Heaven on Saturday, April 27, 2024. He was born April 3, 1943, in Grand Rapids, Minnesota, to Ray and Ethel (Dowling) Wolter. He graduated from Grand Rapids High School in 1962. Ron continued his education at Bemidji State University receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in teaching and his Master’s degree from Winona State University. In 1968, he started teaching for the Red Wing School District as a 5th grade teacher, then eventually became a 6th grade teacher. After 33 years of teaching, Ron retired in 2000. In retirement, he transported special education students for the Red Wing Schools, was on the grounds crew at Oakwood Cemetery, and was a driver for Red Wing Chevrolet.

On June 3, 1978, he was united in marriage to Susan Marie Knudson at United Lutheran Church in Red Wing. They shared 45 years together and had three children, Sarah, Heidi, and Michael. The family created many fond memories together over the years. More recently, Ron looked forward to spending time with his two grandsons, Sullivan and Spencer. Ron enjoyed hunting, fishing, and feeding the birds, but spending time with his family and friends was his favorite. After Sue retired, they would head out on “adventures,” visiting casinos or trying out meat markets in Wisconsin. Ron was a member of United Lutheran Church, Red Wing Elks BPOE #845, and the Red Men Club.

Ron is survived by his loving wife, Sue; three children, Sarah (Blake Kane) Wolter of Northfield, Heidi Wolter of Red Wing, and Michael (Mark) Nelson-Wolter of London, England; two grandsons, Sullivan and Spencer Kane; special friends Gene and Andi Schultz, Jim and Sandy Tulek, Bill LeVasseur, Marilyn Nelson, Bonnie Mettling, and Mike and Cavie Fischer; along with nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters, Juanita Hartl and Donna Nelson.

A celebration of life service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, May 3, 2024, at United Lutheran Church in Red Wing with Reverend Brian Scott officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church. A reception will be held immediately following the service at the Red Men Club in Red Wing. A private family burial will be at Oakwood Cemetery in Red Wing. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests memorials be given in Ron’s name to United Lutheran Church.