Hemstad, Ronald Birger Age 86, died on June 15, 2019. Ron was born on August 11, 1932 to Birger and Signe Hemstad. He graduated from Willmar High School, St. Olaf College, and the University of Chicago Law School. In 1960 Ron joined the Minneapolis law firm of Faegre & Benson and practiced there for 35 years.
He is survived by wife of 60 years Betty, son Peter (Olga), daughters Nancy (David Seaton) and Judy (Paul Anderson), four grandsons Noah & Erik Hemstad, Ben & Will Seaton, and step-granddaughter Mariya Mukanova. Many friends and relatives also survive him. His parents and one brother, Dick, preceded him in death.
Ron's first love was his FAMILY. His interests included MUSIC (playing piano duets with his brother Dick and proudly sharing his Norwegian heritage by singing with the Minneapolis Norwegian Glee Club); NATURE (being a good steward of the land by planting and nurturing many trees on the Gunflint Trail and preserving the fish population in Gunflint Lake by not catching too many of them); ST. OLAF (continuing relationships with many Ole friends and serving as president of the St. Olaf Alumni Association); SPORTS (cheering on the Minnesota Vikings and Twins); and certainly not least, being his WIFE'S SILENT PARTNER in numerous volunteer activities in church and community. Ron proudly served in the US Air Force at the Strategic Air Command Headquarters in Omaha.
Ron will be remembered for his quiet Norwegian personality and ready smile. His family will also miss his kindness, steadfast love, support and generosity. He was the best "Pa" anyone could have.
Ron's memorial service will be held at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 1200 Marquette Ave., Mpls. on Saturday, July 20 at 11am. Parking is underground at the church, off of Alice Rainville Place. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to Westminster Presbyterian Church (Bell Fund) or to the Chik-Wauk Museum, 28 Moose Pond Drive, Grand Marais, MN 55604.