Ronald Gene Aukema, age 85, a resident of Spooner WI and formerly of Minneapolis, MN, peacefully passed away at Maple Ridge Care Center on March 18, 2021.  

Ron was born in Shell Lake WI, to parents Sidney and Floy (Hills) Aukema, and was a graduate of Spooner High School in 1953. This is where he met and married Ruby Dennis, his wife of 67 years. Ron and Ruby made Minneapolis their home where they raised their family and were foster parents to ten children over a 20 year period. Ron worked at Northern States Power for over 30 years but returned to Spooner upon retirement where he and Ruby enjoyed reconnecting with life-long friends. Ron and Ruby were ‘snowbirds’ and spent their winters in Naples, FL for 30 years where they enjoyed meeting many new friends. Ron was a member of United Methodist Church, where he was baptized, confirmed, and married.

Ron enjoyed retirement in the ‘north woods’ and spent many hours on his ATV. He loved to putter around in his yard, and took pride in the home he and Ruby built in 2001. More than this, he loved spending time with his family, often at the cabin on Island Lake. Though there are countless memories at ‘the lake’, Ron will be remembered for his home made ice cream which was enjoyed by four generations on hot summer days.

He is survived by his wife Ruby; three children: Scott, Teresa Hagelberger (fiancé Craig) and Tamara (John) Lukas.

Ron is also survived by grandchildren Krystle, Tasha, Nick, Kelli, Joseph, Katie, Heather, Marie and by ten great grandchildren; sister Terri Baker, brother Stanley Aukema and many nieces and nephews.

Ron was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Richard and Roger, and by sister Lois Donatell-Wheeler.

Services for Ron will be held on March 25th at the Spooner Funeral Home, 306 Rusk Street, Spooner WI.  Visitation at 10:00 with funeral service to follow at 11:00.

The family would like to sincerely thank the many friends, medical staff, and loved ones that provided so many forms of support since Ron’s diagnosis in January.

Last Update: Mar 23, 2021 7:06 am CDT