Ronald Brabbit

It is with sadness that the family shares the passing of their father, Ronald Wayne Brabbit on October 5, 2026. Ron was born on July 27, 1938 to Benjamin and Dorothy (Seekamp) on the family farm in Money Creek, Minnesota. Ben and Dorothy had four boys all born about seven years apart – Bernard, Ron, Dale, and Randy. For this reason, Ron knew that when he had children, he wanted them to be closer in age so that they could be each other’s playmates. This wish came true when he married Margaret Cecilia Masepohl in 1957. In quick succession Nancy, Jesse, Jaime, Tracy, and Jody were born and then finally as if five were not enough, four years later came Jane. Ron and Marge began their lives in a small trailer at the Winona Red Top Trailer Court and shortly thereafter were able to buy their first and only home in 1959 in Goodview for $6300. And oh, what a home it was! Filled with kids, laughter, and the freedom to roam in the undeveloped fields that surrounded the house. Ron left the home in 2024 when his health began to fail; for so long it was the center of the Brabbit universe. Ron had many talents and skills. He was a small engine man and provided his kids with refurbished minibikes, motorcycles, and snowmobiles which were used recklessly and with great fun. Perhaps unconsciously he was trying to “thin the herd,” but the kids all survived. Ron was a good man filled with ordinary grace, kindness, compassion, and most of all a sense of humor and ability to tell a story. He was a wonderful son, brother, husband, parent, nephew. uncle, and friend. He was loved and held high by those who knew him. In addition to all this, Ron loved children, and they loved him back. He was a natural parent and had a large influence on the lives of his grandchildren and the children of his family and friends.

Ron had many, many interests from guns, trapping, camping, hunting, fishing, and trapping to knives, small engines, tractors, tools, travel, gardening, cooking, books, and just general scavenging. What collections he had! While he never graduated from high school, he was intelligent, innovative, well-read, and wise. He was also creative and constantly coming up with fun things to build for the family and friends.

Ron lost his beloved wife, Marge in 2013 which was a very difficult adjustment for him. Fortunately, family and friends rallied and helped him with the loss. Additionally, he was preceded in death by his parents, brother Bernie, and many other family members and close friends all of whom participated in Ron’s adventures. To the very end of his life, Ron’s stories entertained many, including his caregivers who were amazing and he came to love.

His love and legacy survive with his children Nancy (Jeff) Davis, Jesse, Jaime (Dawn), Tracy (Marty) Carlier, Jody (Keri), and Jane (Jerry) Werner. Grandchildren include J.J. Matejka, Alex Stark, Nikita (Higgins) Brabbit, Nathan Brabbit, Jordan Davis, Gabe (Buhk) Davis, Oksana (Maher) Carlier, and Taylor Trienan. Great Grandchildren include Karley, Alex, Rainer, Sam, Foss, Finn, Briggs, Miles, and Tyrion. Upon the birth of his great grandchildren, he purchased each a Heritage Arms 22 to foster with them a respect for a lifestyle involving guns.

The family would like to thank all those who made it possible for Ron to spend his final years in Nelson, Wisconsin under the generous care of his daughter Jane and husband Jerry who made it possible. The family would like to extend a special thank you to all to his caregivers.

Oh, the stories that have been lost and the laughter that has been quieted with the passing of this good man. In lieu of memorial flowers or cards, teach a child to camp, hunt, fish, or fix things. Thank you to all who loved and supported Ron throughout his life.

A memorial service will be held Sunday, October 18, 2026, at Hoff Celebration of Life Center in Winona at 12:00pm. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. Interment will be held at a later date at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Winona.