Ronald "Ron" Edward Holscher

Ronald Holscher of Ocala, Florida passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on June 27, 2026, at the age of 83. Ron was born on October 6, 1942, in Bristol, South Dakota. His family moved frequently in the area before settling in Watertown, South Dakota, in 1950. Ron loved growing up in Watertown. He visited as frequently as he could and shared many tales of his childhood with friends and family.

After graduating from Watertown High School in 1960, Ron enlisted in the Navy in 1962. He served as an Electrician’s Mate aboard the USS Atka (AGB-3) then on the USS Papago (ATF-160) before his honorable discharge in 1966. He traveled extensively in both polar regions while aboard the Atka, including providing support for Operation Deep Freeze in 1964. Ron made lifelong friends in the Navy and was active in veteran communities throughout his life, including most recently at TOPVETs in Ocala Preserve.

After the Navy, Ron studied at Dunwoody Industrial Institute and received his Electrical Associate Degree in 1969. Ron worked as an electrician for various contractors in the Minneapolis area and briefly on the Minnesota Iron Range before landing at the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board, where he worked from 1977 until retiring in 2003. Ron loved his job at the Park Board supporting the city’s expansive and renowned park system.

In addition to his profession as an electrician, Ron was an exceptional self-taught carpenter who single-handedly built large additions to family homes in Dayton and Tonka Bay, Minnesota. He also loved to cook and discover new recipes, and was known for his banana pancake, BBQ chicken, potato salad, chocolate-covered peanut brittle, and countless others. He was an avid hiker, road tripper, cross-country skier, and gardener, cultivating an extensive flower garden with over 100 hosta varieties in the backyard of the family’s Tonka Bay home. Most of all, Ron was a gentle and loving husband, father, and friend who lent a hand whenever needed.

Ron is survived by Loretta, his wife of over 56 years; brother Loren; sister Marlene (Nogelmeier); his children Heather (Marcus) DaCunha, Sonya (Steve) Busch, Michael (Dorothy) Holscher; three grandchildren; and one great grandchild. He is preceded in death by his father Harvey, mother Agnes, brother Merle, and granddaughter Sarah.

A celebration of Ron’s life will be held in the Minneapolis area in the coming months, with details to be shared by the family once finalized.

The family would like to thank the staff at the Grace Davis Hall House for the care and compassion they showed Ron in his final days.