Ronald Arthur Melander

Beloved husband, father, brother, grandfather, and great-grandfather.  After a fall in his home, Ron was admitted to Regions Hospital ICU. He died peacefully with his wife and daughter by his side surrounded by love and music.​Ron was born in St. Paul on January 29, 1935, to parents Arthur and Ruth (Trautz). He graduated from Johnson High School in 1953, just like his dad, children, son-in-law, and grandson. He was a very proud graduate of the U of MN School of Architecture-1961. Ron was employed as an intern at 3M as a student, which led to a 40-year career. At the time of his retirement, he was the Manager of the Civil, Structural Architectural Department. One of his greatest achievements was taking his family to Milan, Italy for a yearlong building project.  Ron is survived by his wife Jean; children, Susi (Todd), Mark (Jill), and Kurt (Ruben); stepchildren, Andy (Blakely) and Ryan (Mary); grandchildren, Christopher (Stephanie), Matthew (Sarah), Kelly (Matthew), Nils (Sara), and Annie (Oscar); step-grandchildren, Hunter (Katelyn), Tessla, Rachel, Jordan, Allison, and Kaia (Drake); great-grandchildren, Olivia, Nora, James, Charlotte, and Johanna; step-great-granddaughter, Hazel; sister, Linda Weber (Michael); brother, David (Ann); nieces and nephews, Scott, Laura (Chris), and Alison (Michael); and special cousin, Barbara Bovy.  Ron’s artistic abilities came to light at a young age as a gifted wood carver. He was also a very mischievous youngster in his Palace Street neighborhood doing all sorts of inventive things to have fun. He loved fishing most of all. Pine Lake trips were his favorite in the BWCA with his sons. Fly-in Canadian fishing trips were his very favorite as he could be on the water all day and not show up without fish for dinner. He has passed the love of fishing to his oldest son and granddaughter. He loved traveling with Jean all over the world- making friends, learning about different cultures and enjoying food, wine, and the ocean. He loved music, singing Lutheran hymns at church, or listening to Sergio Mendez, Willie Nelson, Glen Campbell, and classical music/opera.  We are eternally grateful for Ron’s life. He was a true Renaissance Man. He was artistic, intelligent, a strong leader, lover of reading nonfiction, fisherman, gardener, furniture builder, great card player, animal lover - especially dogs - and a master of embellishing tales of his adventures. Always the gentleman who easily smiled and laughed. He was proud of his entire family, providing encouragement, wisdom, and support. He lives on in our hearts and actions.  Ron’s ashes will be interred at Elmhurst Cemetery. A spring/summer Celebration is planned.  Information and condolences can be found on Ron's Caring Bridge page. Memorial gifts in honor of Ron’s love of nature can be given to The Nature Conservancy. A special thank you to the compassionate staff at Regions Hospital.