Ronald C. Stotzheim
Age 84 of Oakdale
Surrounded by his family, Ron died peacefully at home on 4/22/21. Preceded in death by his father and mother, Charles and Eleanor Stotzheim, his son, Joseph, special brother-in-law, Ray Switala, and so many friends. Ron is survived by his loving wife Patricia “Pat,” married for 56 years, his loving daughters Colleen Monahan (Michael), Patty (Marc Lombardi), Amy Lynn, beautiful grandchildren, Seamus, Ava, Molly, Finnegan, and Max, and his favorite sister, Nora “Sis” Switala. He will be missed by his brothers and sisters-in-law, many nieces, nephews and close friends.
Ron was born in St. Paul in 1936 and graduated from Mechanic Arts High School. His career started in the auto repair and salvage business, where he developed his love for cars and trucks and all things motorized. It was also during this time that he met the love of his life, Patsy Semlak. Although he knew she was the one right away, Pat took her sweet time and made him wait seven years before they got married. They were such a handsome couple! They loved each other deeply and truly kept their wedding vows to love each other through good times and bad and in sickness and in health.
Ron and Pat had four children: Joe, Colleen, Patty, and Amy. Ron made sure they were able to pursue their talents and enjoy opportunities that were not available to him as a child. The children were involved in many sports and always had a pair of skates for ice skating on the pond in the winter and a custom outfitted bike for cruising the neighborhood in the summer. He taught them how to ride snowmobiles, motorcycles, drive cars, boats, and use power tools, yes, even the girls. He loved road trips whether it was the family station wagon, a camper, or the RV. And the animals… beyond the ever-present dogs and cats, the Stotzheim family had a pig, ducks, bunnies, Guinea pigs, and more.
After a few years as a partner of A-1 Auto parts, Ron sold his share of the business, and established Ron’s Bar located at 879 Rice Street in 1967. Ron and Pat operated Ron’s Bar for over 40 years. Ron’s was more than a bar, it was a neighborhood institution. Ron’s steadily established a loyal group of regulars, many of whom became very good friends, and whose children grew up and become regulars, too, increasing the loyal following. Most of the regulars were honored with painted caricatures that were framed and hung on the wall for decades. Ron’s Bar hosted many social events, organized fishing and hunting trips, sponsored countless youth and adult athletic teams, and was a favorite place to view the annual Rice Street Parade.
Up until two weeks ago, Ron could be found in his garage tinkering, building, or repairing who knows what. Over the years, he shared with his family and friends his love of motorized vehicles like ATV’s, RV’s, trucks, boats, hot rods, Joe’s race car, model T’s, the dune buggy, snowmobiles, dirt bikes, and go-karts. He could fix just about any broken thing. If he couldn’t find a part to fix things, he would make one himself. He was a self-taught engineer, mechanic and dare we say, artist. Pat also knew how to MacGyver a thing or two, so together, Ron and Pat made a quite a team. They loved and laughed together with all their hearts.
Ron had a great sense of humor and was never at a loss for a witty remark or colorful phrase. He was a man of few words and communicated in a style all his own. His facial expressions, hand gestures, and whistles were usually all he needed to make his point.
He would help anyone but did so quietly, without recognition of his good deeds.
In all of his roles as a son, brother, husband, father, uncle, friend, and Grampa, he never overlooked the needs of his loved ones. He especially cherished his grandchildren. He was all about having fun and finding new adventures.
Per Ron’s request, there will be no funeral service. A memorial gathering will be announced at a later date.
As Ron would say, don’t sweat the small stuff and get it done. Dad, you got it done in the most amazing way. You will always be with us.
10-4, Ajax.
To see more photos of Ron, please click on Photo Gallery.