Ronald Meierhofer

Ronald "Ron" Otto Meierhofer, age 79 of Watkins, passed away on Saturday September 21, 2024.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, September 27, 2024 at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Watkins, MN.  Visitation will be held from 4-8 PM with parish prayers at 7:45 PM followed by the rosary on Thursday September 26, 2024 and will continue 1 hour prior to the service, at St. Anthony's Parish Hall.  Interment will be held at St. Anthony's Catholic Cemetery following the service.  

Ron was born on October 31, 1944 in Watkins, Minnesota, to Arthur and Caroline (Yanish) Meierhofer. He graduated from Eden Valley-Watkins High School in 1962. After graduating, he proudly served his country as a member of the United States Army Reserves for 3 years.

Ron was united in marriage to Diane Zieglmeier on June 25, 1966. Together they farmed near Watkins and he also took on other jobs as well until his retirement. They raised their five children on the farm.

He was a devoted religious man and attended St. Anthony Catholic Church in Watkins where he proudly served as a Communion Minister. Together, he and Diane would deliver communion to the homebound.

In his free time, Ron enjoyed traveling with family, playing cards, games, and doing outdoor activities, including hunting, fishing, and downhill skiing.

Ron is survived by his wife, Diane of 58 years; children Lynn (Bob) Lange of Watkins, Leah Schwegel of Watkins, Lisa Peterson (Dan Bauer) of Annandale, Cory (Kelly) Meierhofer of Watkins, Michael (Gina) Meierhofer of Watkins; 21 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; sisters Arliss (Rich) Stenger of Watkins, Elaine (Dave) Leither of Cold Spring, and Juanita (Donnie) Arens of Litchfield; and sister-in-law Ruth Meierhofer of Eden Prairie.

He was preceded in death by his parents, sisters Janice Meierhofer and Joann Weeres; brother Ralph Meierhofer; brothers-in-law Rog Loch and Rog Weeres; and sons-in-law Dan Peterson and Al Schwegel.