Ronald D. Norling, Sr. , 82, of Grand Forks, ND passed away Friday, July 24, 2020 in Valley Senior Living on Columbia in Grand Forks.

Ronald Duane Norling Sr. was born on June 8 ^th , 1938 in Clearbrook, MN.  The son of Verna I (Ness) and Rueben E Norling.  Ronnie grew up on the Norling family farm in McIntosh, MN where he loved spending time with his uncles, who lovingly called him "Ronnie boy".  He also spent a lot of time at his Aunt Helga and Uncle Oscar's who taught him the love of fishing.  Ronnie attended grade school in Erskine, Mn and High School in McIntosh, MN and then worked on the family farm until the late 1950's.  He decided to travel around the states as a custom combiner and eventually settled in Grand Forks, ND where he met and married the love of his life, Connie.  They were united in marriage on March 9, 1963 and together raised 3 children; Ronald D Norling Jr (Shannon), Anthony S Norling and Sheri L Gustafson (Alex).  They were blessed with 6 grandchildren; Ronald D Norling III, Megan L Hest (Tyler), Benjamin T Norling, Tanner A. Norling, Taylen L. Norling and Tasha Brenno as well as 4 great grandchildren; Lily, Tristen, Johanna and Eleanor.  His grandchildren were the other loves of his life.

Ronnie enjoyed telling stories and always had a joke in his pocket for everyone he met. He and Connie loved dancing and having family parties, where he would be found the center of attention, telling his many jokes.  Ronnie loved cooking & canning and said drinking a beer made him better cook.  He looked forward to going to work each day, where he had a reputation for being quite a prankster.  He was a truck driver most of his life, his last position was loader operator for Porta Mix in East Grand Forks, MN.  Ronnie continued working until the age of 75 when his health forced him to retire.  Upon retirement, he was most happy being with his wife Connie and their spoiled dog, Copper watching their favorite shows and going for rides together.  He never missed watching Wheel of Fortune and the world/local newscasts.  You didn't want to call or interrupt while the news was on.  Ronnie kept in touch with is lifelong friend of 75 years, Marvin.  They would call each other every couple weeks to check on each other and reminisce. Ronnie was one of a kind who was the center of his family's lives. He will be missed greatly.

In addition to his wife, children and grandchildren Ron is survived by his two sisters, Joan (Orlan) Rokke of Fargo, ND and Patti (Myron) Hornbaker, Fargo, ND, several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents Rueben & Verna, his parents-in-law, Arthur and Mable Bartlette, Grand Parents, Andrew & Radina Norling and Charlie & Margit Ness, 12 aunts, 15 uncles and his granddaughter, Tasha Brenno.

Mass of Christian Burial: 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, July 29, 2020 at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Grand Forks, ND.
Visitation: Will be held from 5:00 to 7:00pm Tuesday, July 28, 2020 with a 7:00pm vigil service in the Historic Norman Funeral Home Chapel. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the liturgy in the church on Wednesday.
Burial: Calvary South Cemetery, Grand Forks, ND.