Ronald Burkholder

Ronald Gene Burkholder passed away on Wednesday, April 7, 2021, at Montecito Rehabilitaion Center in Mesa, Ariz.

Ron was born January 7, 1946, to Clifford and Phyllis (Bates) Burkholder in Preston, Minn.

Ron grew up on a farm outside of Mabel, Minn. He graduated high school in Mabel in 1964. After graduation he enlisted in the United States Air Force. He served four years in the service, of which he spent 13 months in Vietam, from 1966 to 1967. During his enlistement he was stationed in Grand Forks, N. Dak., where he met his wife Sandra Bachand. They married on August 14, 1966, in Grand Forks and had been married for 54 years, having three children. Ron and Sandy lived in Cheyenne, Wyo., and Cavalier, N. Dak., until 1981. They then moved ot the farm in Harmony, Minn., until 2009. After living in Harmony they moved to Casa Grande, Ariz., where Sandy still resides.

Ron has always had a love of the Old West. He would research history books on the west and Indian heritage. Having grown up on a farm is where his love of farming and animals began. Ron always has loved the cowboy genre. He participated in rodeos in his younger years, riding bareback and broncos. He was always very artistic, as well. He loved drawing, woodworking, carpentry, creating projects, and leatherwork. But, mostly he loved his family and many friends. Ron never hesitated to stop and talk to friends and new acquaintances wherever he went. People loved him for his amazing, friendly personality, laughter, and his many wonderful stories.

Ron was preceded in death by his father Clifford Burkholder, his mother Phyllis (Bates), and his brother Gary Burkholder. 

Ron is survived by his wife Sandra (Bachand) Burkholder of Casa Grande, Ariz., his brother Richard (Sue) Burkholder of Peoria, Ill., his son Weston (Denise) of Utica, Minn., his daughter Wanda (Kyle) Scheevel of Harmony, Minn., his son Rocky (Mercedes) of Queen Creek, Ariz.; his grandchildren Alexandria Kvenvold, Clayton Burkholder, Hayley Burkholder, and Tryston Kelly. Also, his great-grandchildren Ayden and Nora Kelly.

A private service is to be held in the Superstition Mountains of Apache Junction, Ariz., on Friday, April 30. A family and friend celebration of life will be held on May 1 in Queen Creek, Ariz.