Ron Ruen passed on Fri., Feb. 14, 2020, at Barthell Eastern Star Nursing Home with complications from the degenerative neurological brain disease, Olivopontocerebellar Atrophy, a shrinkage of the cerebellum and brain stem. It is believed that he suffered from this disease as a result of exposure to Agent Orange, a defoliar toxin, while drafted in Viet Nam. Research shows that Ron could have exhibited beginning symptoms 20 years prior, with the past ten revealing more obvious degeneration affecting his balance, mobility, speech, swallowing, mood, and other functions.

Ronald A. Ruen was born on Sept. 28, 1945, in Battle Creek, Mich., the son of Otto and Laila (Thorsen) Ruen, while his father was in military service. Ron was educated in Decorah schools where he excelled in academics and band. He graduated from Luther College with honors, majoring in history and the Classics (Greek and Latin). After graduation Ron was drafted to Viet Nam where he was eventually injured, medevacked, and honorably discharged with a purple heart.

Ron worked with his father, Otto, and brother, Mark, in their Decorah family business, Ruen Furniture. After 25 years of commitment, Ron enjoyed his “retirement jobs” at Henzler’s Garden Shop, and then at Ladybug Landscapes until his illness prevented it. He also enjoyed working at Evergreen Hills Christmas Tree Farm with his in-laws.

Ron loved nature and the tree-covered hills of northeast Iowa. He spent decades riding his bike on gravel roads and mountain bike trails, cross-country skiing in many locations, and hiking wherever he could find a path. He participated in the early years of RAGBRAI beginning in 1973, in “century” rides of 100 miles in one day, in local mountain bike time trials, and in two biking trips to England and Ireland. He also skied in the Birkebeiner races for many years.

Ron had an exceptional memory. He would easily recall historical events and dates, baseball history, names of people, and Decorah facts and genealogy.

Ron spoke often about “the blessedness of the ordinary.”

Those who remain are: his wife, Judy Tjossem ‘74; sons-by-marriage, Shaun (Jill) Tjossem, with Grace, Gabe, and Gavin of Richland Center, Wis., and Logan (Jaime) Tjossem, with Rylee, Carley, and Kaelyn of Rochester, Minn.; Ron’s brother, Mark (Nancy), and his niece, Kari (Clint) Koch, with Colton and Wyatt, all of Decorah; and niece, Erica (Peter) Lea, with Kirsten, Simon, and Jack of Ankeny; along with his cousins; also, father-in-law, Lawrence Tjossem; Judy’s siblings: Cindy (Roman) Tjossem Mychajlyszyn and Steve (Kari) Tjossem with Kirsten Tjossem and Tanner (Mollie) Tjossem, all of Decorah; Dr. Greg Tjossem (Karen (Worden) Tjossem ‘72) with Andrew Tjossem ‘13 (Alli (Kephart) Tjossem ‘15) and Henrik, of Ft. Collins, Colo.; Judy’s aunt and uncle, Marv and Bunni Cooper, and aunt, Myrna Mardock, all of Decorah.

Ron was preceded in passing by his parents, Otto (age 100) and Laila; and his grandson-by-marriage, Kaden Tjossem (age 5), from bone cancer.

Thanks to the Barthell Eastern Star entire staff for Ron’s exceptionally fine care. Thanks to Dr. Paul Wenner, Nurse Practitioner Kathy Petersburg, Speech Therapists LeAnn Uhlenhake and Courtney Brinck for support. Thanks, also, to Winneshiek Medical Center Hospice, especially Sandy Bishop, nurse, and Richard Simon Hanson ‘53, Chaplain, for competent and loving care. Thanks to Fjelstul Funeral Home. Very special thanks to our friends. There is much appreciation to all who showed kindness and caring.

As per Ron’s request, there will be no service.

Cards/memorials may be sent to 709 Valley View Drive, Decorah. Memorials will be donated to Decorah Bicycles for children who need bikes, helmets, or service.