Ronald Dale Broadwater, age 77, of Harmony, Minn., passed away on June 27, 2024, at his home after a courageous battle with Lewy Body Dementia and Parkinson’s over the past several years.
Ron was born in Rochester, Minn., on August 31, 1946, to Evelyn (Tienter) and Jonathan Dale Broadwater. He grew up in Fillmore County where he attended school and worked on his family farm. He graduated from Canton High School in 1965.
On September 2, 1967, he married Roberta “Bobbie” Scanlan in Rochester. There, they raised their four children. Ron was employed by Rochester Public schools for 39 1/2 years, where he worked in building maintenance and groundskeeping. For many years he enjoyed his summers running his concession stand at the Olmsted County Fair and several other venues. He earned his nickname “Broady’s Brats” from his customers and friends. Ron was an avid hunter and fisherman. His iconic beard allowed him to play Santa for many children throughout the years. But his biggest joy was his role as grandpa to his eight grandchildren.
Ron is survived by his wife of
56 years, Bobbie; children Rob Broadwater (Wendy Leuenberger) of Spring Valley, Hollie (Tom) Dunford, Rick (Sandy) Broadwater, and Heidi (Jay) Hanson, all of Rochester; eight grandchildren: Logan (Brianna) Broadwater, Hunter Broadwater, Zach Dunford, Emily Dunford, Autumn Broadwater, Ireland Broadwater, Sydnee Hanson and Alex Hanson. Ron is also survived by his sister Sharon (Jeff) Copeman, brothers-in-law Denny (Carol) Scanlan and Steve Krause, sisters-in-law Tasa (Scott) Deden, and Tonia (Britt) Fix; and many special nieces and nephews.
Ron was preceded in death by his parents Evelyn and Jonathan Dale Broadwater, his brother Donald Broadwater and his sister-in-law Teresa “Tish” Krause.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to the Harmony Place staff for all of the love and support that they showed Ron and his family. Also, thank you to Moments Hospice for the care they provided Ron for the past 13 months. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, August 31, 2024, at Evangel United Methodist Church, 2645 N Broadway Ave, Rochester, Minn., with a visitation one hour prior to the service.