Dale Ronning

Dale Theodore Ronning, 78, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, July 26, 2026, at Essentia Health in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota.

Dale was born on October 1, 1947, in Valley City, North Dakota, to Theodore and Minnie (Gorden) Ronning. He was the youngest of five children, alongside his siblings Karen, Gary, Yvonne, and Joanne. The family later moved to West Fargo, where Dale graduated from West Fargo High School in 1965.

Following graduation, Dale answered the call to serve his country by enlisting in the United States Army. He proudly served with the 101st Airborne Division in Vietnam in 1967. For his courageous service, he was awarded the Bronze Star Medal, the Combat Infantryman Badge, and the Vietnam Service Medal. He was honorably discharged in 1968, carrying with him a lifelong love and respect for his fellow veterans.

On March 19, 1966, Dale married the love of his life, Janet Kraft. Together they built their home in West Fargo and were blessed with four children: Trisha, Jason, Tonia, and Troy. Although Jason's life was heartbreakingly brief and he never came home from the hospital, he remained a cherished part of their family and was always held close in their hearts.

Dale spent more than 30 years with Fairway Foods, retiring as Director of Merchandising. Retirement, however, became the beginning of a new purpose. He joined the Department of Veterans Affairs, where he found his true calling, helping fellow veterans receive the care, support, and benefits they had earned through their service and sacrifice.

As a proud veteran himself, Dale understood the sacrifices made by those who served. He became a trusted advocate for countless veterans, patiently guiding them through difficult processes and standing up for those who needed him. Serving fellow veterans wasn't simply what he did, it was who he was.

His dedication to service extended far beyond his work at the VA. He was actively involved in numerous organizations, including the West Fargo Jaycees, Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), Military Order of the Cootie, AMVETS, American Legion, Disabled American Veterans (DAV), and Vietnam Veterans of America. Through these organizations, he formed lifelong friendships while continuing his unwavering commitment to supporting, encouraging, and honoring those who had worn our nation's uniform.

Dale's commitment to serving others also reached into his hometown. As a member of the West Fargo Park Board, he was proud to help bring the West Fargo Legion baseball field and the West Fargo Veterans Memorial Arena to life, projects that continue to enrich the community and create lasting memories for generations of families.

While Dale took great pride in serving others, his greatest joy was spending time with the people he loved. Whether gathered around the table with family and friends, sharing stories, laughing, or playing a spirited game of pinochle, he treasured every moment. Competitive by nature, Dale loved keeping score, celebrating a good hand, and playfully teasing his fellow players. Those moments of togetherness meant everything to him.

Dale loved the outdoors and was happiest golfing, fishing, hunting, or spending time at the lake. He had a special way of making sure there was always something for everyone to enjoy, creating memories his family and friends will cherish forever.

He was a familiar face at many local establishments, where he enjoyed catching up with longtime friends and never missed an opportunity to make a new one. Dale had a gift for making people feel welcome, and conversations with him often turned strangers into friends.

A lifelong Green Bay Packers fan, Dale rarely missed an opportunity to cheer on his beloved team. One of his greatest joys was taking his daughters and grandsons to Lambeau Field to experience a Packers game together, memories they will treasure forever.

He also had a lifelong passion for racing. Whether watching NASCAR or attending World of Outlaws races, Dale loved the excitement, the people, and the thrill of race day.

Whether serving his country, advocating for veterans, strengthening his hometown, or simply spending time with family and friends, Dale lived a life marked by compassion, humility, generosity, and unwavering service. His legacy lives on in the community he helped build, the veterans whose lives he touched, and the family and friends who will forever carry his love, laughter, and example in their hearts.

Dale is survived by his beloved wife of 60 years, Janet Ronning; his children, Trisha Molinari, Tonia (Mike) Arvidson, and Troy (Jill) Ronning; his grandchildren, Matt Molinari, Nick (Anna) Molinari, Ryan Molinari, Ariana (Andrew) Heisler, and Ty Arvidson; his great-grandchildren, Navy and Daniel Heisler; his siblings, Gary (Betty) Ronning of Parker, Colorado, Yvonne Brekke of Reedsburg, Wisconsin, and Jo Ronning of La Crosse, Wisconsin; and many sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his son, Jason; his parents, Theodore and Minnie Ronning; his sister, Karen; his brothers-in-law, Ted Brekke, John Rebsom, Jerry Kraft; his parents-in-law, Bill and Lucille Kraft; his nephews, Jeffrey Ronning and Lucas Kringen; his nieces, Jeanne Ronningen and Melanie Kringen; and several cherished aunts and uncles.

Though he will be deeply missed, Dale's legacy of faith, family, friendship, and service will continue to live on in all who were blessed to know and love him.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial contributions be made to the veteran charity of your choice in Dale's honor.

Visitation: Thursday, August 6, 2026 from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM with a prayer service at 7:00 PM at West Funeral Home, West Fargo, ND.

Funeral: Friday, August 7, 2026 at 10:00 AM at Holy Cross Catholic Church, West Fargo, ND.

Burial with Military Rites: Friday, August 7, 2026 at 1:00 PM at Fargo National Cemetery, Harwood, ND.

West Funeral Home & Life Tribute Center

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