Ronald Philipp of Thief River Falls, MN passed away on Friday, March 21, 2025 surrounded by his loving family at his Thief River Falls home.
Funeral service for Ron will be held 11:00 AM Friday, March 28, 2025 at Bethany Lutheran Church near Thief River Falls, MN with Reverend Kris Snyder officiating. Burial will be held at the Bethany Church Cemetery.
Visitation will be held on Thursday from 5 – 7 PM with a 7:00 PM prayer service at Obit in Thief River Falls and also one hour prior to the service at the church.
Ronald “Ron” Lee Philipp, born on July 5, 1946, at Mercy Hospital in Thief River Falls, MN. He was the son of Lawrence and Fern (Nelson) Philipp. He was also lucky enough to be raised by his maternal grandmother Amanda Nelson who lived with the Philipp family.
Ron was baptized at St. John Lutheran Church in Thief River Falls on August 25, 1946, and confirmed at Bethany Lutheran Church on April 10, 1960. He attended Northrup Elementary and Lincoln High School before graduating from the Northwest School of Agriculture in Crookston in 1964. A talented wrestler, he was proud to be an Aggie.
In 1965, Ron joined the U.S. Army National Guard (Infantry), serving honorably until his discharge in 1971. On January 14, 1967, he married Lois trfnews.i234.me at Zion Lutheran Church in Thief River Falls. Together, they built a life filled with love and family, raising two sons, Kurt and Steve.
Ron worked for United Parcel Service (UPS) for eight years before owning and operating Ron’s Auto Sales in Thief River Falls. He had a passion for hunting—especially deer hunting with the Smiley Gang—fishing, and cheering on the Minnesota Vikings, Wild, and Timberwolves. He was active in the Smiley 4-H Club and had a deep appreciation for history. Above all, he cherished time spent with his family.
He served on the Goodridge Parish Board and was a longtime member of the Bethany Church Council.
Ron is survived by his beloved wife of 58 years, Lois; sons Kurt Philipp of Thief River Falls and Steve (Renae) Philipp of Red Lake Falls; grandchildren Hannah (Cole) Seeger, Sam (Kayla) Pahlen, Ben (Kelly) Pahlen, Greta Philipp, and Richard Philipp; great-grandchildren Jace, Halle, Abby Seeger; Timmy, Ivy Pahlen; Navy and Peyton Pahlen; brother Wally (Thelma) Philipp; sister Gloria (Ken) Blazina; and several nieces and nephews.
Ron is preceded in death by his parents Lawrence and Fern Philipp, grandparents John and Sarah Philipp, Ole and Amanda Nelson.
Ron’s memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew him.
# Ronald “Ron” Philipp, #