Ronald (Ronnie) Danielson was born October 21, 1944, the third child of Glenn and Muriel Danielson. He died April 02, 2015, trying to do the hardest job he ever had – beating cancer.
Ronnie spent his early life in the Mona, Montana, area growing up with family; grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins, going to church and Bible school at the Mona Church of Christ. When he was five years old the family moved to the Yellowstone Valley south of Fairview. His parents farmed, had a grocery store, a bakery and the Ben Franklin store in Fairview. They also kept the farm/ranch in the Mona area going for many years, all the while involved in starting and supporting churches of Christ in Fairview and Sidney. Ronnie grew up learning the importance of hard work and the value of a job well done. He attended Fairview schools for twelve years making friends, having fun, and doing crazy things, graduating in 1962. His college career lasted exactly one week before home called him back. Ronnie and Iris Moore starting dating in 1961 and were married in 1965. They were blessed with two children- Rhonda and Cody.
Ronnie had many jobs during his working years but was a farmer at heart. He gave every job he ever had 100%; he was honest and trustworthy. He always said “If you tell someone you will do something at a certain time, do it. If you can’t do it, let them know you can’t.” He was always as good as his word. He served others, typically in a “behind the scenes” type way. He could fix or build most anything and many received the blessing of his talents and creative thinking.
Ronnie loved Montana agates and picked them up from an early age. The family spent many days on the Yellowstone River and First Hay Creek hunting rocks. As Cody got older, he and his dad planned special outings together, hunting agates and camping on the river several days at a time.
Ronnie also loved music and taught himself to play the guitar, fiddle and mandolin. He knew hundreds of songs – old and new – and often changed the lyrics (or names in the song) to fit a current situation or person – usually to tease someone. He could hear a song and play it and truly enjoyed “jammin” with other musicians, although he didn’t consider himself a musician. He instilled a love of music in his children and grandchildren.
He loved small children, especially babies. He would hold a baby at every chance and in the last few months as he was unable to get out and visit, he asked that babies be brought to him. His equipment, tools and vehicles were all cleaned and maintained meticulously. He took pride in having 25 year old things that looked and operated like new. He cared for his lawn in the same way – often getting up in the night to monitor the automatic sprinklers. He was an avid reader and kept up with world happenings right until the end.
Ronnie lived in Eastern Montana his entire life until moving to Townsend eight years ago to be near his kids and grandkids. He felt at home in the Lower Yellowstone Valley but also loved the mountains and enjoyed time camping, hiking, and exploring nature. His other love was walleye fishing- put him on Fort Peck or Lake Sakakawea in his boat, fishing pole in hand, and he thought that was the closest thing you could get to being in heaven on earth. We hope there is a special walleye lake in heaven just for you, Ronnie.
Ronnie leaves behind Iris, his wife of nearly fifty years, his daughter Rhonda (Butch Huseby) and grandchildren Kale and Karly, his son Cody, (Michelle Baisch) and grandchildren Kaden, Kendra and Kellen. He also leaves two sisters, Joan Salsbury and Linda Gore (Terry), two brothers Richard (Diana) and Bob (Vicki). Also surviving him is a large number of extended family, whom he loved and enjoyed time with. Many cousins, nieces, nephews and their families will miss him. He was preceded in death by his parents Glenn and Muriel Danielson, grandparents, aunts and uncles, cousins, two nephews, one brother in law and several of his family on Iris’ side.
Through his journey with cancer he and his family have been supported by people all over the country and world. We thank every one of you for the prayers, cards, calls, visits and other special things done for us along the way. We especially thank the doctors and nurses of St. Peter’s Hospital and St. Peter’s Hospice for their tender loving care and support and Bob, Vicki and Linda who lovingly helped care for their brother at home. God bless you all.
Gifts in Ronnie’s names may be given to St. Peter’s Cancer Treatment Center of Helena; Mountain States Children’s Home of Longmont, Colorado; or Options Women’s Clinic of Helena.
A memorial service celebrating Ronnie’s life will be 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, April 8th, at South Hills Church of Christ, 2294 Deerfield Lane, Helena, Montana. A coffee hour will follow in the church social center. His cremated remains will be taken back to the Fairview area where a celebration of his life will be held in early summer. The date, day and time will be announced later in the Sidney Herald. Gifts in Ronnie’s names may be given to St. Peter’s Cancer Treatment Center of Helena; Mountain States Children’s Home of Longmont, Colorado; or Options Women’s Clinic of Helena. To offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Ronnie please visit below.
Service Schedule
Celebration of His Life
2:00 p.m.
Wednesday April 8, 2015
South Hills Church of Christ
2294 Deerfield Lane
Helena, Montana 59602
Coffee & Cookie Hour
Immediately following the memorial service
Wednesday April 8, 2015
Social Center of the church
2294 Deerfield Lane
Helena, Montana 59601
Service Schedule
Celebration of His Life
2:00 p.m.
Wednesday April 8, 2015
South Hills Church of Christ
2294 Deerfield Lane
Helena, Montana 59602
Coffee & Cookie Hour
Immediately following the memorial service
Wednesday April 8, 2015
Social Center of the church
2294 Deerfield Lane
Helena, Montana 59601
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Linda Kay Richter says
I will miss your smile, Ron, as you leaned over the fence watching Camille, my granddaughter play in our yard. And my garden will never be the same; you were such a perfectionist at tilling!! Thank you, Ron. Now you can meet Antoine, my son, in Heaven.
Love & prayers to Iris and family,
Linda Kay
David Linde says
I think of Ronnie a lot his wonderful grin. He blessed us with his presence. Rest in peace Ronnie you are remembered fondly
charisse dore fugate says
Ronnie was a wonderful man.
My memory of him will be when he drove the church bus. Many Sundays and Wednesdays. I also remember going to bible camp at Mona. I will always smile when I think of him. Thoughts and prayers to Iris Rhonda and Cody…
Rick and Marnie Mowles says
Ronnie was a unique person; a kind of person that is rarely found in this day and age. A kind of person that is honest, loyal, caring and a sense of humor. He was a man of his word; a man whose handshake revealed trust and dependability. He was a man who stood on his convictions and held to a strict moral code of conduct. He was a man that would always help others without asking. A true friend who would always be there if you needed him. In essence, he lived to serve God and in that he helped his fellow man. We love him and will dearly miss him.
Love,
Rick and Marnie
Brenda Drennon says
Ronnie was one of the kindest mans I’ve ever known, I’m going to miss his smile and his sense of humor. This is not good bye this is until we see each other again, love you!!
Ken and Jan Weber says
KEN & JAN WEBER
In ones lifetime there are perhaps a small number of people that you can truly consider your true friend. Ronnie was certainly that. Our trips to Fort Peck with Ronnie and Iris, were some of the greatest. They are very dear to us. Rest in peace old friend, until we meet again.
Ken and Jan
Laurie Brown says
The Danielson family was a well loved part of our church at the Sidney Church of Christ. Was saddened to learn of Ronnie’s passing. Our sympathies to the family.
Dave Schlenker
Robert, Laurie, Zach and Jordyn Brown
Diana Monte (Thorman) says
Our love and prayers go to Iris and the entire family that God gives you comfort and peace. I have so many good memories of the entire Danielson family growing up. I can picture Ronnie and Gary “catching up” with each other and sharing their love for their families. It’s hard being the ones “left behind” but we know someday we will be with our loved ones again.
Diana and Keith Monte
Amber (Niblock) Hayden says
My 1st thought is….Rest in peace Ronnie your time here on earth is done. But you have and the Danielson family have done so much for us here in the Fairview area and left behind so much for us to do and help us go about doing good work for the Lord…My 2nd thought on how much your family made so much extra room in your hearts for my 6 younger sisters and myself, along with my 3 kids and husband Greg who I’ve been with for almost 15 years now. It is amazing how God’s work can be done and continue to go on from such a wonderful family as the Danielson ‘s . I know I can’t be sad right now or never be but try to turn my feelings into happiness and be grateful and Blessed that God himself was able to give us a wonderful, friend who could do the Lord’s work and just let us laugh be happy. I send my love to all the Danielson family who are hurting, and I pray that God will be with you during your time of healing, and if you ever by chance think the memory of Ronnie will fade…don’t worry he had 7 little girls who have lots of crazy stories to tell about him
Marlene Thorman Hamilton says
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Danielson family, Ronnie I remember all the times you were over at our house as kids the things you and Gary did growing up, a lot of happy memories, May you rest in peace and have no more pain, as God has you in the palm of his hand.
Meg McNelly Bennett says
It is only fitting, Ronnie, that you would be taken into the arms of the Lord you loved so much on Holy Thursday. I am so deeply sorry for the loss your family and loved ones are experiencing now, but I am also deeply touched by the knowledge that your are dancing on the winds, free of pain and the all the other earthly bounds that separated you from the peace, joy and freedom you share with the Lord today. Peace be with you, your family and your loved ones at this time of love, loss and resurrection.
Sharon Olson says
Iris, Rhonda, Cody and families, I know the pain of loosing such a wonderful man like Ronnie. But oh the sweet memories of someone so special brings as many smiles as tears. You are all in my prayers, as God keeps you close in these many days to come. Love, Sharon
Ben Lewis says
We are sad to hear of your loss, it is very hard to say goodbye to our loved ones. Wonderful memories are such comfort and knowing that God is always with us.
Jo Carr says
Ronnie, you were a true gentleman. I will miss your serenades of “Josephine” . Even though I am a Jo Anne, that is a memory I will treasure.
Marv & Barb Johnson says
Iris, our prayers are with you and your family during this time of travel during our short time period on this earth. We will never forget you and Ron at the store in Sidney. Thanks for sharing him with us, and allowing us to get to know both of you.
Marv & Barb Johnson
Fort Peck, Mt
Lisa and Art Hawksley says
Iris, Rhonda, Cody and families,
We never had the honor of meeting Ronnie but we have heard many wonderful things about him. We just wanted you to know we are sending our prayers and loving thoughts to all of you at this time.
Sincerely, LIsa and Art Hawksley
ChrisTina Rehbein says
Iris, Rhonda, Cody and family,
You have all been blessed to have Ronnie in your lives, he was a man of God, joyful, honest and inspiring. He and all of you are in my prayers, may you all find peace and comfort in the Lord.
Love in Christ, ChrisTina Rehbein
Marilyn Anderson Carlin says
Although I grew up in Sidney, I did not have the pleasure of meeting Ronnie until he became ill. I am a volunteer at the cancer treatment center in Helena. Imagine my surprise when someone I was caring for actually knew my mom and dad! Ronnie was one of those people who was so genuinely thoughtful and kind. We volunteers really enjoyed visiting with him and the many friends and family who accompanied him during his treatments. My thoughts are with you, Iris, your family, and all of those who knew and loved Ronnie. He will be missed. I hope that it helps you to know that others care and share your loss.
Marilyn Anderson Carlin
Chuck Mix says
Ronnie was such a tease, his antics will be missed at family camp for sure! I know how dear he was to the whole family, a testament to his life and service mindedness. I have been praying for Iris, Rhonda, and Cody regularly and will keep doing so. Ronnie has no worries, I know Who he lived for. I love you guys, hope to see you this summer at camp!
Matietta Keller says
Dear Iris, Cody and Michelle, Rhonda and Butch and families,
We were very sad to hear of the passing of Ronnie. We know you will all miss him terribly. He was a good Christian man. We are glad he never has to suffer again. May God help you to find peace and comfort in your wonderful memories of him, and in your remembrance of all God’s great promises. John 14 “I go to prepare a place for you…that where I am , there you may be also.” What a grand reunion he is having with his parents! And someday you will have with him.
In Christian Love,
Lloyd and Marietta Keller
Kim Syth says
Dear Iris & family,
We were so sorry to hear of Ronnie passing away (CANCER SUCKS). Know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Hold tight to the good memories to get you through the tough days ahead. God Bless you all – hugs sent your way.
Kim & Buck
Steve and Mona Krogstad says
We were saddened to hear about Ronnie. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time of your loss. Ronnie was a wonderful Christian man and he will be missed.
Cheryl Fladager says
Dear Iris and family,
My heart goes out to all of you during this difficult time. Although I didn’t get to spend much time with you both while you lived in Sidney, I remember you holding fabulous VBS.’ at your place.
Bill and Sonja Barber says
Our thoughts and prayers are with you, the family of Ronnie, Be encouraged and comforted in knowing that Ron is on the other side of suffering and that the separation is not final, but only for awhile until we either join him there or until the Lord Jesus comes back for His Church. While there is mourning and a sense of loss here on this earth, Psalms 116:15 says” precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His Saints.” We may hurting here but there is rejoicing in Heaven as Ron is welcomed home. Comfort and blessing on you all now and in the time to come.
Don and Deanna Johnson says
Dear Iris and Family. You all are on our hearts and in prayers as you celebrate Ronnie’s life on Wednesday. We will be there with you in spirit and will hug you when we get back to Helena in May. Ronnie was a true man of God who gave more in service to others than most. We too will miss him. Love to all of you dear friends.
Mary Jo Saboe says
I am so sorry to hear of Ronnie’s passing. I used to see him when I would frequent the hardware store in Sidney and he was such a helpful and fun person to have wait on me! I know he and Iris so enjoyed their work which made it more fun for us to shop there. He always was a tease! God Bless you!
Jim and Edie Ward says
We remember so many wonderful things about Ronnie. He was a wonderful Godly man that gave of himself, his money & his time to help others. We will miss the good times, playing cards, parties, visiting , hearing him play his violin, and going to church with him & Iris and their Family. We will always miss you but glad you are at home with God , where there is no pain, no sorrow or tears and you can sing with the angels.
Bonnie (Pacovsky) Tuttle says
Iris & Family,
So sorry that one of the most important people in your life has been taken from you. I can’t imagine how it feels to lose your husband. I just know that it must be hard.
I remember when I met you and Ronnie for the first time. I was about 19 years old, now 60. My husband & I rented a house from you in Fairview that you had bought and completely redone. You two were two of the most ambitious people I ever had the privilege of knowing. You were both very inspiring. May you find comfort in your friends and family at this time.
Bonnie (Pacovsky) Tuttle
Columbia Falls, Montana
Linda and Kenny Simonsen says
To the Danielson family, Our deepest sympathies to you all. May you feel God’s presence through all the people who are upholding you in prayer. Ken and Linda Girard
Brian and Shari Shook says
To our loved ones meeting in Helena today, celebrating Uncle Ronnie’s life – we can’t be there with you in person, but know we are there in spirit. We all find great comfort in knowing he is now with Jesus and family that have been waiting there for him, he is no longer in pain, he is healed, and we WILL see him again!! “When we all get to Heaven, what a day of rejoicing that will be”!!!! We love you,
Brian and Shari
Kristine Finsaas Beyerle says
Iris, Rhonda, Cody & families,
So very sorry to hear of the loss of your husband and father. Thinking of you all & lifting you up in prayer! Hold your memories close & be encouraged that there is no more pain & no more suffering, & one day you will see him (again) rejoicing in Heaven!!!
Mark & Julie Brodhead says
I have known Ronnie since I was a kid and never crossed paths with him when he didn’t make time to stop and say hello. We have missed the Danielson Hardware folks here and want you to know that Ronnie was a “practice what you believe” kind of guy! Job well done Ronnie RIP……
Norman Keller says
Iris and family,
I’m glad Ronnie was in my life. I enjoyed the times at Mona for: weekly services, great potlucks, and the two weeks a year at Mona Bible School. I remember: us sleeping in the “BIG” tent, playing basketball, baseball, Anti-over, mumble peg, horeseshoes, Bible classes, the kitchen, etc. It was always good to see Ron and Iris in the FHS hallways, etc.. It seems impossible that we became the older generation so quickly. We wish comfort and peace to the extended Danielson family, now and forever.
Love,
Norman and Linda Keller
Gordon Jenkins says
Although Ronnie and I pretty much lost touch after I moved from Fairview, he always held a special place in my heart! Yes, we were cousins, but for years (in my mind at least) we were more like brothers. I will never forget carrying our cane poles down to the fishing holes and riding his “doodle bug” up and down the lane, but the dearest memories are of the wonderful long talks we had about all the topics close friends in their pre and early teens have about everything. Ronnie was special!
Dan & Lanette Young says
Iris and Family:
We were so sad to hear of Ron’s passing. He was indeed a kind and wonderful man. We always enjoyed our brief visits when we would run into you at tournament games cheering on the Warriors. Please know you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Carolyn & Kelvin Buxbaum says
Rhonda, Iris and Family,
We are shocked and saddened to hear of Ronnie’s passing. He was an outstanding individual, we have good memories of him. You are in our thoughts and prayers
Rollie & Lola Graber says
Iris and Family,
We are saddened to hear of Ronnie’s passing. Have great memories of his greeting & smiles in the hardware store. Looked forward to stopping there for a chat with Ronnie. We enjoyed the apples from his great tree and was able to share some pie and conversation with him. He will be missed.
Niki Cetraro says
I am so sorry to hear about your loss… Thinking of you and sending prayers your way.…
Dawn Reynolds says
My condolences to your family. I only met Iris and Ron one time, but it was memorable. They went on a garden walk last summer, and Ron and Iris and some of their family came back to the community garden – they were so fun to visit with. Ron won the 50/50 and donated the money right back, such a generous man. So sorry for your loss Iris, I hope memories will comfort you. Little kindnesses show the true character of a person.
Misti Walker(Miller) says
Cody & Family – I just heard about your dad and am sending thoughts and prayers to all of you. May God Bless you and give you strength.
Misti Walker
Rapid City, SD
Daryl and Sue Kutzler says
Our deepest sympathies to you, Iris, and family. May the love and comfort of family and friends lift you all up and bring you through the sadness of losing Ronnie.
Arlie Heil says
Iris—to you and yours my condolences on learning of Ronnie’s passing—He was a good guy whom I have known most my life—glad I at least had a chance to chat with him during our 50th.—–You take care—-Arlie—-
Calvin and Myra Leibelt says
Iris and family, We are sorry for your loss. Enjoyed visiting with you both at our class reunion. How quickly things change in life. We pray for your peace and comfort.. Myra and Calvin