Gerald Ronning

Gerald Romaine Ronning, 84, passed away in Norfolk, Virginia on January 15, 2023.  Born on June 12, 1938 in Minneapolis, Minnesota to the late Oliver and Dorothea (Jerdee) Ronning, Gerald attended the University of Minnesota and Howard College before being called to serve in the U.S. Army on March 4th, 1964, wherein he received a Good Conduct Medal. After his service was completed, he married and had three daughters. Gerald moved to Virginia in the mid 1980s where he had a career in sales before retiring and serving as a mentor in his community and enjoying the fellowship of the Church of the Living Word. Gerald was an avid chess player, earning the title National Master, and taught chess to many youths through the Norfolk Initiative for Chess Excellence at the Lambert’s Point Community Center. He enjoyed traveling, playing piano, rock collecting, and writing letters to editors. Gerald admired the written word and reading was a centerpiece of his life until his final days.  He had a particular affinity for sharing the humorous and the poignant with others, leaving behind copies of his favorite writings in a folder entitled “Wit and Wisdom.”

Predeceased by his beloved parents, his best man (and cousin) Gary, and special friend Barbara, Gerald is survived by his three daughters: Laura (David), Amy (Randy) and Heidi (Chad), five grandchildren: Jacob, Jason, Alex, Scott, and Grace; his sister Diane and her children and grandchildren; and several cousins, including special cousins Marlys and Glenn. Gerald is also survived by his dear friend Richard, and his “adopted daughter” Lisa, who were especially kind and stood in as family during his retirement years.

The family would like to thank the staff at Norfolk Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center, for their excellent care and compassion during his prolonged illness. A memorial service is being planned and will likely be held later this year at Fort Snelling National Cemetery, where he will be interred near his maternal grandfather. 

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