Ronald ‘Ron’ Jeglum, 71, Stewartville

Ronald “Ron” Jeglum, 71, of rural Stewartville, died peacefully at home surrounded by his family, on Tuesday, Feb. 23, 2021, from a short battle with cancer.

Ronald Duane Jeglum was born on Oct. 27, 1949, in Rochester, to Duane and Bernice               (Johnson) Jeglum. He grew up in rural Rock Dell Township, attended Hayfield schools and graduated from Kasson Mantorville High School in 1967.

He entered the U. S. Army in 1969, serving two years, including duty overseas in Vietnam. Following his discharge, he returned home and was employed as a heavy equipment operator for Quarve and Anderson Co. in Rochester for a few years and then with his father formed a corporation, Duane and Ronald Jeglum Sand and Gravel, which they operated for a number of years.

Ronald was married at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Stewartville on Feb. 14, 1976 to Carol (Westrum) Seaver. They moved to the Jeglum Family farm where they raised their daughters and have made their home for the last 39 years. 

He was later employed with Paulson Rock Products and Stussy Construction in Mantorville as a heavy equipment operator and truck driver until his retirement in 2019. Carol was employed as a clerical worker and an appraiser at the Minnesota Department of Transportation in Rochester for 48 years until her retirement.  

Ron was a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Stewartville. He was a member of the Kasson American Legion Post 333 upon returning from his military service. He later became a member of the Hayfield American Legion Post 330 and he was a social member at Stewartville American Legion Post 164. He also was a member of the Great Northern Oliver Collectors Club.  

Ron farmed and restored all of his own tractors for many years. He loved decorating for Christmas and the home place was known as the “Gingerbread House” by many. He took pride in keeping the home place up with a well-manicured lawn and gardens.

He enjoyed old time threshing, which was a family tradition every August, helping his brother Kevin on his farm and was an avid Minnesota Vikings fan. Ron like visiting and spending time with friends and neighbors and most of all being with his family, especially his grandchildren. We will all miss his huge heart and willingness to help anyone, his contagious smile, the witty comments, and just being around Ron.

Ron is survived by his wife of 45 years - Carol, and three daughters – Christin (Pete) Semmen, Beth (Josh) Buckmeier, and Trisha (Derrick) Bly all of Stewartville;  six grandchildren – Brooklin Podolske, Bailey and Brody Buckmeier, Ella and Brock Bly, Brianna Semmen; one great grand-daughter - Azaleah Woodward; five sisters -- Kathi Girard, Sheri Musolf (Ray Winkles) both of Rochester;  Nancy (Keith) Bader, LaDonna (Paul) Flanigan, and LeAnn (Loren) Selle of WI; two brothers – Kevin (Roxy) Musolf of Dodge Center, and David (Judy) Grathwohl of  Wisconsin; two aunts – Doris Jensen of Hayfield and Phyllis (Morry) Witter of Rochester and many nieces and nephews. 

He was preceded in death by his parents Duane and Lois Jeglum and Bernice and Gale Grathwohl.

A memorial service for Ron was held at Zion Lutheran Church in Stewartville with Rev. Byron Meline officiating. Burial with military graveside honors followed at Woodlawn Cemetery in Stewartville. A Celebration of Life for Ron was held at the Stewartville American Legion. Arrangements are with Griffin-Gray F.H. in Stewartvile.

Condolences and memories of Ron are welcome at www.griffin-gray.com.