Ronald Jeske

Ronald A. Jeske, age 66, of Melrose, died Friday, May 2, 2014 at Quiet Oaks Hospice House in Luxemburg, surrounded by his family after a three year fight with lung cancer.

A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Monday, May 5 at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Melrose. Pastor Kevin Mann will officiate and burial will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery in Melrose.

Friends may call from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday and from 1 to 2 p.m. Monday at the church in Melrose.

Ronald Albert Jeske was born September 30, 1947 in Springfield, Minnesota. He graduated from Springfield High School and went on to attend South Dakota State University in Brookings and then graduated from the University of Minnesota with a degree in Agriculture. He married Nancy Friesen on July 20, 1968 in Springfield, MN. They had three daughters. Ron was a salesperson for US Steel, vo-tech teacher, and fertilizer plant manager before moving to Melrose and building Melrose Fertilizer in 1976. He loved spending many early hours and late nights running his business. Over the years, he was involved in many civic and business organizations. Later in life, his five grandchildren were his pride and joy and he loved to do anything with them. He didn't miss a chance to attend countless church programs and sporting events. He also enjoyed playing cards with the guys, driving around and looking at the crops, trips to South Dakota, walking his dogs, and spending lots of time with his family.

Ron will be remembered as a great family man and a mentor to many guys at the fertilizer plant. He was quick to say "good job" and give a pat on the back to many a young kid. All of Ron's employees were very important to him.

He will be sadly missed by Nancy, his wife of 46 years; mother, Lydia Jeske of Springfield; daughters, Alyssa (Joe) Rosenberger of Melrose, Amber (Fred) Middendorf of Chaska, and Adrea (Tim) Mauseth of St. Louis Park; brother, Doug Jeske of Springfield; five beloved grandchildren, Maddie, Jacob, Isaac, Gavin, and Wyatt; one niece; three nephews; and many other relatives and good friends. He is preceded in death by his father, Frank Jeske, in 1982.

A special thank you to the doctors and nurses at the Melrose Hospital, the staff at Quiet Oaks Hospice House, and to all our friends and family that have called, prayed, and visited us during this difficult time.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to American Cancer Society, Quiet Oaks Hospice House, or an organization of your choice.