Ronald Dekowski

It is with great sadness that we share that our much loved husband, father and grandfather Ronald D. Dekowski, 74, died unexpectedly, on February 19, 2022, in United Hospital, St. Paul, MN from heart complications. His wife and daughter were by his side. He was born February 16, 1948 in Buffalo, NY, the son of Stanislaus and Helen (Kubiak) Dekowski. Ron graduated from Hutchinson Technical High School, Class of 1966. He enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1967. He was part of the 321st Civil Engineering Squadron at Malmstrom Air Force Base in Montana. While stationed at Malmstrom Air Force Base in Great Falls, MT, Ron and Janet L. Gadbaw met and were married on November 7, 1970. Here they began their family life before moving to Ramstein Air Force Base, Germany. After 3 years in Germany, the family moved to Grand Forks Air Force Base, ND. Ron was honorably discharged from military service with the rank of Master Sargent in June 1987. The family moved into Grand Forks where they have lived for the past 35 years. He started his civilian career as the Maintenance Manager at Parkwood Place until his second retirement in 2015. Ron adored his family and time with them was most important to him. His much cherished grandchildren were the lights of his life and made his days endlessly happy. He loved spending time on the golf course, watching the Buffalo Bills play football, a glass of good scotch and all things Star Trek. He is survived by his wife Janet (Gadbaw) Dekowski, daughter Wendy (Dekowski) Mankie of Grand Forks and son Ryan Dekowski (Doug Ballard) of Seattle, WA; and grandchildren Kaitlin, Nathan and Jakob Mankie. His brother Thomas Dekowski (CA) and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, sisters Theresa Koberecki and Joan Lipczynski and brother Stanley Dekowski. A service of remembrance will be held between 5:30-7:30 PM on Friday, February 25 at Amundson Funeral Home, 2975 42nd Street South in Grand Forks. In lieu of flowers, the family request donations to Disabled American Veterans, Make-A-Wish foundation, or a charity of your choice.