Ronald Vern Bixby

A Tribute to a Gentle Man

Ron Bixby was born June 3, 1939, in Morse Township, Deer River, Minnesota. He grew up on a small farm with his dad, Vern, his mom, Minnie, and brother, Mike. His mom often told when they brought him home, he was so tiny, she wrapped him in a blanket, put him in a shoe box, and kept him warm in the oven. He went to school in Deer River and graduated in 1957. He joined the United States Army, and went to Korea, and was a cook. He was an Expert Rifle M-14. He often said, “I never spent a moment in the army I regret.” After he returned home, he began a lifetime of driving a fuel truck, 37 years, most of them for the Northern Star Co-op.

Over the years he enjoyed, with his friends and cousins, weekends camping, fishing, and hunting.

Ron was very knowledgeable about the history of rifles, ammunition, most any weapon, and he took great pride in that. Hunting, especially the whitetail, with family, and friends was a great hobby.

On September 27, 1979, Ron and Jeanne were married. Together they enjoyed near 46 years on their Little 40 Maple Acre Hobby Farm, with 7 kids, 20 “Grands” and over 30 “Greats.” Making maple syrup, in the spring with family and friends, having a large garden, planting special food for the animals of the forest, and caring for the many Herefords they raised.

Ron enjoyed cribbage games and dice games with their friends often on weekend evenings over a meal.

When the Grands and Greats came, we often made cookies, and they always wanted Papa Ron to have a taste. Ron loved sweets and always welcomed their treats, especially the many birthday cakes.

Once when he was taking a nap, a little one came up and bit his toe. Ron woke with a yelp, but noticing who it was, he mellowed with a big smile.

Hay season was always a fun time. “Papa, I want to ride up high!” Ron could not say, “No!” So, we had lots of rides. We also had lots of family hayrides. In the winter, sleds could be seen behind his wheeler. As the family grew, we added small wheelers, five in all and the hours of fun in the woods were priceless. We both treasured these days and feared when they would end.

Now, Ron had hobbies. He made many things with wood. Farm trucks, logging trucks, rocking horses and little rocking chairs for his Grands. During the winter hours, the sound of saws and sanders could be heard in the basement buzzing as decoys were being made. The “Greats” were often seen in the basement, making the decoys swim in the tub. He made a decoy for each of his family.

Ron enjoyed working on machines, especially small engines and tractors. He restored several antique tractors and always repaired his farm machinery. I remember the time a Great had a very large balloon. It popped and he said, “I’ll take it to Papa! He can fix anything!” They were always bringing him something to fix. He loved that.

I also remember the time some Greats wanted to help paint the 21 deer in the front yard. Of course, Ron could not say, “No!” But he did say, “Let’s not paint the belly!” Well, this little girl, maybe 3 or 4 years, yelled “Please Papa! Can I paint the belly?” He said, “Okay! I suppose!” And she painted her own belly! He chuckled about that.

Watching the Deer River Warriors was truly his team. Football was a favorite, but he tried to go often to all the others too, knowing they loved having him there.

As the years went by and graduations came, he knew things would change. And it was always sad, but happy for him, and he would wipe away a tear or two. And I would have to remind him what he promised me, before we married, “I will help you raise your kids as though they were my own!” And he truly did! My family became his family! His pride and joy! Anyone can be a father but not everyone can be a Dad! Ronny was truly Dad, Chief, Grandpa, and Papa Ron!

Ronny was preceded in death by his parents, Vern and Minnie (Cartwright), grandsons Lil John Moore and Kevin Knutson, and nephew Mikey Bixby.

Loved ones left behind:

A Friend and Wife Jeanne 

Mary Knutson (Jan); children Karl & Sarah; Kent & Angela and their children Lena, Luke, Vanessa, and Eli; and Kraig.

Chris and Tim Schultz; children Scott & Karissa and their children Ethan, Evelyn, and Edison; Steven and his children Jackson, Jayda and her daughter Athena; Thomas & Miranda and their children Cadence, Conner, and Camden; and Travis & Elizabeth and their children Reed and Royce.

Karen and Mike Lind; children Michael & Jenny and their children Makenzie & Ethan and their son Callum, Madyson and Damien, Regan, Jaxon, and Jeffery; Abby and Kent and her children Hannah and Rome and baby-to-be, Wyatt, and Mahala.

Frank and Edith Hellmann; children Lydia & Eric and their children Vincent, Oliver, Scarlett, and Violett; Laura & Joel and their children Claire and Elbert; Frank W. & Joleen and their daughter Lilah; Henry and Annie.

Jami and Ron Pietila; their daughters Jessica and Kaitlyn.

Jenny and Dick Lind: their son Willard.

John and Eva Moore; their sons Jeffrey and Robert.

Granddaughter Sue and Dan Jones and their children Regan, Jaxon, and Finn.

His brother Mike Bixby and his children David, Julie, Willie and their families.

If you were a part of Ron’s life here on earth, he loved you! And I thank you for that. He was a peaceful man! He was a gentle man!

A visitation will be held on Saturday, June 21st, 2025, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Morse town Hall in Deer River, followed by a memorial service at 12:00 p.m. A luncheon will be served immediately after the service. Military honors will take place at 2:00 p.m., also at the town hall. 

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