Services for Violet Myrtle (Rustan) Ronne

Violet Myrtle (Rustan) Ronne died on February 24th at the age of 90 while she was a resident at the First Care Living Center, Fosston Minnesota.  She bravely battled against Dementia, which slowly caused her to lose her independence and some of her mental facilities, but it is no small feat that she remembered her children’s names and details that even her children may have forgotten.

Born in 1930, she called herself a “1930 model”.  She had a wry sense of humor. Like so many people in her era she was profoundly affected by The Great Depression, the second World War and was shaped by the struggles they ensued.  I guess that is why they are called “The Greatest Generation.”

She was born on August 11 to Edward and Josie (Gunderson) Rustan on a farm north of Oklee, Minnesota.   Violet was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith.  She was the second oldest sister to three younger sisters and had six brothers and one-half brother.   

Fortunate enough to be born into a family of many gifted musicians, she too had musical talent and played the piano and accordian “by ear.” She played everything from Ragtime to “In the Mood” (Big Band), Lutheran hymns and Old Tyme music like the “St. Paul Waltz.” Playing music brought out the liveliness in her and those around her.

When Violet graduated from High School in Oklee, she worked in a nursing home for a year before marrying Ervin Weberg, of Trail Minnesota in 1949.  They had four children and lived in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, a ranch in Montana and finally settled in Trail, until they divorced in 1968.

In 1971 Violet married Charles Ronne, Erskine, Minnesota, and they lived in Thief River Falls and Warroad, MN where they both worked at Arctic Cat and Marvin Windows. She worked hard Blue-Collar jobs and even as a welder.  While at one job she became a union representative and prided herself in “never losing a case.” After moving back to Oklee in her later years, she volunteered for RTC (Rural Transportation Cooperative) bringing patients to doctors’ appointments. 

It is possible that Violet never really knew the talents and creativity she had, but those around her did.  Her skills as a baker were exceptional and her cinnamon rolls could rival those in any bakery.  Her home cooked meals are remembered by friends and family.  She was a perfectionist as a seamstress, and she loved making flannel pajamas for her grandchildren.

Violet had several brothers who preceded her in death-Bennie, Edwin, Milan, Richard, Alward, as well as one sister, Evelyn Piepgras, and several cousins and aunts and uncles.  

She is survived by all of her children-Pamela Field, Las Cruces, New Mexico, Gary Weberg, (Barbara) Wylie, Texas, Debra Kay Haugen (David), Minneapolis, MN and Scot Weberg (Renae) of Tuolumne, California. She has 5 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren. Also surviving are her sisters, Lillian Hilgeman, Lyla Kimball and Dellys Nylec, brothers Elmer and Hilmer Rustan   and several nieces and nephews.

Violet spent the last 15 months of her life cared for by excellent caregivers at the First Care Living Center, Fosston, MN.  Thanks to all who cared for her and to Timothy Lundeen, Pastor, of Erskine, Minnesota.  

She will have a private family burial in June, at the Saron Lutheran Cemetery, Erskine, where she will be buried next to Charles Ronne.

As Violet wished, any memorials may be sent to a charity of personal choice.

Thank you Violet for sharing your life with us!

Arrangements entrusted to Johnson Funeral Service in Oklee, Minnesota

Condolences may be sent at wwwjohnsonfuneralservice.com