Ron Carrier

Ron Carrier, 71, of Houston, Minnesota, passed away on Friday, October 16, 2026, at Gunderson Lutheran Hospital, surrounded by family.

Ron was born on November 30, 1954, at the family home in Houston, Minnesota, to Charles and Wanda (Williams) Carrier. He graduated from Houston High School in 1972, where his love for all athletics grew.

Ron started working at The Midland Station and Halverson Oil. Later, he and Kathy owned and worked together at Benson’s Cafe and The Village Inn in Houston. After they sold the restaurant, Ron worked at TRW until he bought Larry’s Mobil in Rushford. Once Ron retired, he found his dream job working at DARR Auction in Rushford.

Ron started attending rummage sales and auctions with his dad and brothers at a young age. He started collecting antique pull toys, baseball cards, signs, and anything related to Houston history. His collection of Houston memorabilia can be found at the Houston Area Museum. Ron was honored when he became the first recipient of The Houston Area Museum Heritage Award.

During his life, Ron followed professional and college athletics, but he enjoyed attending high school athletic events most of all. Ron and Kathy traveled around southeast Minnesota to attend their kids’ and grandkids’ athletic events. If there was a “free” night, he would find a good game to attend alone or with his brother Marlin. One may wonder how many games he attended in his life span? During retirement, Ron started out his early mornings solving the world’s problems at “The Corner” with the other early risers in town. He then spent the rest of the day listening to music or a game broadcast in the comfort of his garage while assembling lot boxes for the next auction. He cherished time spent playing pinochle, phone calls with his brothers, Wednesday nights at Barb’s, and spending time with family.

Ron is survived by his wife Kathy (Loken) Carrier, children Blake (Teri) Carrier of Chatfield, Minnesota, Jamie (Jenny) Carrier of Kasson, Minnesota, and Justin Carrier of Forest City, Iowa; grandchildren Luke, Ben, Sam, Makenzie, Clayton and Jenna; sister Cynthia Lauritzen, brothers Bruce (Deb) Carrier, Marlin (Mary Ann) Carrier, Ken (Teesh) Carrier, Jeff (Peg) Carrier, Van (Christine) Carrier and Todd Carrier; sisters-in-law Karen Todd and Betsy (Troy) Nelson, and brother-in-law Mike (Brenda) Loken.

He was proceeded in death by his parents Charles and Wanda Carrier, parents-in-law Wilbur and Doris Loken, sisters Barb Laumb and Jill Oloff, and brothers-in-law Jerry Laumb, Dean Lauritzen, Kurt Oloff, Al Strong and Dennis Todd.

Ron’s family would like to extend a special thank you to Gundersen Lutheran Hospital and Clinic for navigating his journey with cancer.

Hoff Funeral Home Houston is assisting the family. Please visit www.hofffuneral.com to leave an online condolence.