Ron Sandness

Ron Sandness, 75, of Moorhead, MN, passed away Friday, October 9, 2020, at Bethany on University in Fargo, ND.

Ronald Lee Sandness was born June 20, 1945, in Beach, ND, to Gustav and Thora (Norman) Sandness. He graduated from Moorhead High School in 1966.  On December 27, 1975, Ron was united in marriage to Catherine Kelley in Fargo. They made their home in Moorhead where they raised their three children.  Ron graduated from Moorhead State University with a Master of Science degree.

Ron was a devoted husband to his wife, Catherine, and a loving father to his three children, Joyce, Mark and Marie.  Family was his priority in life, but Ron was also very passionate about his life career as a vocational rehabilitation counselor.  Over the years Ron worked in various areas of the community as a mentor and a trainer for people with physical and mental disabilities.  He served on numerous boards and worked tirelessly to raise community awareness and better understanding of people with disabilities. For his dedicated service he was honored with several awards including Fargo’s Outstanding Citizen of 1999 and the Moorhead Jaycees Distinguished Service Award.  Ron retired from Southeast Human Services in Fargo in 2008.

Ron loved family gatherings and also enjoyed playing golf.  His strong faith played an integral part in his life and despite the challenges he may have faced, he never let them hold him back. Ron met every challenge with a positive outlook and he was never afraid to try something new.  His faithful commitment to his family and dedicated service to this community leave a lasting legacy and he will be deeply missed by all those who knew him.

Ron is survived by his children, Joyce (Randy) Babler, Moorhead, Mark (Laura) Sandness, Plymouth, MN, and Marie (Jeff) Koval, Fargo; grandchildren, Alex, Elise, Taylor, Tasha and Gavin; brother, Gerald (Barb) Sandness, Richland, WA, nephew Scott (Rieko) Sandness and best friend, Dave Brunsvold.  He was preceded in death by his parents , his beloved wife, Catherine and his niece  Krista Sandness .

A memorial service will be held Friday, October 16, 2020, at 2:00 P.M., with visitation from 12:00 to 2:00 P.M., at Wright Funeral Home in Moorhead. Masks are required and social distancing must be observed.  The service will be livestreamed beginning at 2:00 P.M. on Ron’s webpage at www.wrightfuneral.com, where a video tribute and online guestbook are also available. Burial will be at Riverside Cemetery in Moorhead.