Date of Birth:
Tuesday, January 9, 1951
Date of Death:
Tuesday, March 29, 2022
Age:
71 years old

Victor Alan Ronken

Victor Alan Ronken died peacefully at his home in Rochester, Minnesota on March 29, 2022 at the age of 71. He was born January 9, 1951 in Rochester and raised in Spring Valley, MN. At the age of 24, he married the love of his life, Joanne “Jo” Lorraine Sheehan, and together they raised three children: Jessica, Kathryn, and David. Victor delighted in keeping his marriage of 46 years lively and interesting. His devoted career as a power development engineer at IBM lasted over three decades. During that time, he authored several patents and was responsible for the development of IBM’s server power systems. Victor had an intense passion for life and was endlessly curious in the pursuit of knowledge. As a handyman and lover of the great outdoors, some of his many hobbies included cross country skiing, woodworking, fishing, hunting, camping, cooking, and canoeing through the Boundary Waters. Forever present in the lives of his children and grandson, Quinn, he could be counted on to fix a leaky faucet, tie a fishing line, or build and install a birdhouse in your backyard. He was beloved at family gatherings for his jovial personality, bursting laughter, and the pleasure he found in good food, conversation, and music. As an exceptional craftsman, he created several pieces of furniture for family and friends that will be cherished for years to come. He sweetened the lives of those around him with homemade maple syrup, jam, and wine produced from his backyard vineyard. A constant drive to try new things led to a healthy number of accidents and a couple broken bones. His love for adventure took him on journeys that ranged from motorcycle rides throughout southeast Minnesota to the heights of Machu Picchu.

He is survived by his wife, Jo Ronken; daughters, Jessica Murphy and Kathryn Ronken; son, David Ronken; grandson, Quinn Murphy; brother, Emore (Bonnie) Ronken; sisters, Sharon (Vernon) Jahn, Evelyn Rios, Lois (Terry) Petersen, and Betty (Perry) Bowen; sisters-in-law, Joyce Ronken, Kathy Ronken, Kathleen (Peter) Lambert, Eileen (Steve) Hopke, and Colleen (Del) Blocher; brothers-in-law, Rick (Beth) Sheehan, Pat Sheehan, Bill (Mary) Sheehan, and Jerry Sheehan; and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by parents, Harvey and Maxine Ronken; brothers, Howard Ronken, James Ronken, Gary Ronken, and a brother that died in infancy; parents-in-law, John and Dorothy Sheehan; sisters-in-law, Elaine Sheehan and Marie Sheehan; brother-in-law, Craig Sheehan. To honor Victor’s wishes, his loved ones have ensured his legacy will live on through the generous donation of his brain to the Mayo Clinic Study of Aging. Victor’s contribution will touch countless others by advancing the understanding of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.

The memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, April 13, 2022 in the River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home with Fr. Shawn Haremza officiating. Visitation will be held at 9:30 a.m. prior to the service. Burial will be at St. Bridget Catholic Church in Simpson, MN. Face masks are encouraged.

The Family requests those who wish to express sympathy to consider making a donation to Doctors Without Borders, The Church of the Resurrection, and/or The Reading Center Dyslexia Institute of Minnesota.