Ron Wangen, 77 Ronald “Ron” Wayne Wangen, 77, of Austin, Minnesota, formerly of Oakland, Minnesota, passed away Friday, January 17, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. Ron was born September 18, 1947, in Albert Lea, Minnesota to Robert and Hazel (Ringstad) Wangen. He grew up on a farm in Hayward, Minnesota and attended Albert Lea High School. He worked at Usem Chevrolet in the Parts Department for approximately twenty years. After Usem’s he went to work with his father-in-law, Mitchel Berhow, doing general contracting. After Mitch retired, he worked at Riverland Community College in multiple capacities (parts, maintenance, substituted for welding, construction, etc.) On February 7, 1987, Ron married Jeanne Bergstrom at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Austin, MN. They were happily married for 38 years. While employed at Riverland, Ron became active in and started the BOSS (Bikers of Student Success) motorcycle bike ride which went on to become an endowed scholarship. He retired from Riverland in 2018. Ron was an active member of Westminster Presbyterian Church and had a true heart for service. One Sunday, following a sermon on service after the tragedy of Hurricane Katrina, Ron exited the Sanctuary and said boldly to the Pastor and to all who could hear him, “I’m Ready!!” With those two words, he helped put together an Adult Mission Trip of 13 people that would drive to Gulfport, MS in one day and help this ravaged community in April, 2006. This was an amazing week of ministry, fellowship, and love that touched the lives of many people. Ron helped facilitate two more annual trips to Mississippi and then assisted in launching the Hope Builders Ministry. Overall, Ron participated in and guided roughly 12 week-long adult mission trips to places dealing with natural disasters and led many efforts to help people in their homes in the Austin area. Ron found it a great joy to use his construction skills and his ‘fix-anything’ attitude to help those who were hurting. Ron’s life was a testimony to the love and grace that God had given him, and he wanted so badly to share that with others. He served as an elder of the church and worked on a variety of committees. He could be seen assisting multiple church fundraisers including the pancake breakfast, pork and corn feeds, and hosting events and bonfires at their property over the years. Ron enjoyed woodworking and displaying his work at craft sales. He assisted not only his family but anyone else who might be in need. He was an avid hunter and enjoyed hunting with his sons when possible. Ron had a passion for horses and Harleys throughout his life; he enjoyed many trips over the years with family and friends. Ron participated in the Mower County Mounted Posse for many years. Ron and Jeanne were excellent dancers and loved to dance at many weddings-even if they weren’t invited! He was a great husband and father and truly enjoyed his grandchildren and great-grandchildren; he never met a baby he didn’t like. He loved spending time on the farm in Oakland and taking long walks with Jeanne around the neighborhood. Ron will be remembered for his kindness, sense of humor, and helping spirit. He was preceded in death by his parents; infant brother, John; niece, Shelly “Jellybean” Wangen; father-in-law, Mitchel Berhow; and sister-in-law, Beth Berhow. Ron is survived by his loving wife, Jeanne Wangen of Austin; children, Scott (Sue) Wangen of Austin, Chad (Tisha) Wangen of Glenville, Jeremy (Abby) Wangen of Hayward, Jeremy (Kelly) Bergstrom of Elkhart, IA and John (Annesa) Bergstrom of Carlisle, IA; grandchildren, Cody Huston, Allison Wangen, Mady (Connor) Klapperick, Miranda Wangen, Paige Wangen, Izzie Bergstrom, Molly Bergstrom, Katie Bergstrom, Bailey Bergstrom, Maya Bergstrom, and Miles Bergstrom; two great grandchildren, Remi Prescott (Wangen) and Soren Klapperick; sister, LeAnn Knox of Albert Lea; brothers, Elwood “Woody” (Julie) Wangen of Albert Lea, and Howard (Leann) Wangen of Chippewa Falls, WI; mother-in-law, Darlene Berhow of Oakland; brothers-in-law, David (Louise) Berhow of Austin, Steve Berhow of Oakland, and Brian (Nancy) Berhow of Hayward; nieces and nephews. A private family service was held with the Reverend Michael Olmsted officiating. Ron was interred at Fairview Cemetery in Oakland, Minnesota. Clasen-Jordan Mortuary is in charge of arrangements. The post Ron Wangen, 77 appeared first on Austin Daily Herald.