Date of Birth:
Monday, August 11, 1952
Date of Death:
Sunday, January 12, 2025
Age:
72 years old

Albert Joseph Ronnenberg

Albert Joseph Ronnenberg, 72, of Hastings, MN, died Sunday, January 12, 2025, peacefully at Little Hospice in Edina, MN.

Al was born August 11, 1952, in Kasson, MN to Adrian “Ronny” and Rose (Taras) Ronnenberg. He graduated from Byron High School in 1970 and began work as an orderly at St. Mary’s Hospital in Rochester. From there, he attended Highway Patrol School until he enlisted in the US Army in 1972. He went to basic training at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri and became a member of the Military Police. He was stationed at NATO Headquarters in Belgium until 1975. Upon returning home he attended and graduated from Rochester Community College in 1977. He became an Army Recruiter in 1980 and had a decorated career until he retired in 1998.

Home for Al bounced around some, but he lived in Zumbrota, MN for several years before moving to Hastings, MN in 2008. Soon after his military retirement, he started a second career as a maintenance supervisor with the U.S. Postal Service where he continued to work until his final retirement in 2014.

Al loved to hunt deer in Southeastern Minnesota and Wyoming with both friends and family. In retirement he grew fond of going to the shop in Byron, which he owned with his brother, Paul. Acreage, “The Forty”, north of Byron was a source of relaxation behind the wheel of a 1954 Farmall tractor. He enjoyed cribbage, cream in his coffee, and, likely, saw every episode of Law and Order… twice. Al will be remembered for his unique personality, loud voice, and big heart.

Al is survived by his Sister, Sandy Erickson of Byron, MN; Brother, Paul (Pat) Ronnenberg of Byron, MN; Sister, Lois Rhodes of Coon Rapids, MN; Brother, Jim (Monica) Ronnenberg of Byron, MN; son, Nick Ronnenberg of Albert Lea, MN; son, Bryan (Erica) Dorenkamp of Rochester, MN; son, Adam (Heather) Ronnenberg of Maple Lake, MN; daughter, Amy (Rick) Closner of Pine Island, MN; nine grandchildren, Joel, Gabby, Eric, Aly, Grace, Evan, Harper, James and Blake; one great granddaughter, Jorden; and several cherished nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by father, Ronny and mother, Rose; brother-in-law, Paul Erickson; and brother-in-law, John Rhodes.

A Memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, January 29, 2025, in the River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home service with Pastor Culynn Curtis officiating. The visitation will be held one hour prior to the service.