Ronald Smedshammer

Ronald D Smedshammer, 79, living in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota for the summers, peacefully passed away surrounded by family in his winter home of Sun City, Arizona, on November 17, 2021 at Abrazo Hospital. Ron was born in Enderlin, North Dakota on May 26, 1942, to Henry and Signe Smedshammer, the youngest of 8 siblings. Ron attended Enderlin High School where he met his future wife, Diane Schmidt. It was here Ron first began his lifelong passion for athletics, excelling in multiple sports, and graduating in 1960. Ron continued his athletic career at Valley City State University where he played 3 sports, with his football team being inducted into the VCSU Hall of Fame. It was during this time that Ron and Diane married at Trinity Lutheran Church in Enderlin on June 1st, 1963. After graduation from VCSU, Ron and Diane moved to Cavalier, North Dakota to start his teaching and coaching career. In 1969, Ron and Diane moved to Jamestown, North Dakota where he continued for the next 31 years in his career as a teacher, coach, and Athletic Director. Ron’s love of athletics was passed on to his 4 children and wife for years to come. After retirement, Ron and Diane spent their summers in Detroit Lakes where they enjoyed many great moments on the lake. Ron and Diane also bought a home in Sun City, Arizona, and became snowbirds for their winters. In his retirement years, Ron spent a lot of time playing golf, where his goal each summer was to “shoot his age”, which he successfully accomplished multiple years. While athletics was one of his passions, Ron’s greatest passion was watching his children and grandchildren compete in their athletic events. Ron is survived by his wife Diane, Sun City, Arizona, son Jason, Moorhead, Minnesota, son Joel (Andrea), Lorena, Texas, twin daughters Jill Stakemiller, Prescott Valley, Arizona, and Jodi Turney (Glenn), Peoria, Arizona, 9 grandchildren, brother Don (Reba), Lake St. Louis, MO, sister Grace Dunham, Detroit Lakes, and many nieces and nephews. Ron was preceded in passing by his parents, 4 sisters, and a brother. A private family service will be held at their Detroit Lakes home in the summer of 2022