Obituary of Ronald Thomas Sjoblom

Ronald "Ron" Thomas Sjoblom of Duluth peacefully departed this earthly home on Saturday, May 28, 2016, in the Solvay House after a brief battle with cancer. Destination being to join parents, siblings and friends in a place to rest in peace and rejoice. Ron was born on Aug. 17, 1943, in Chicago to Ruth and Thomas Sjoblom. He graduated from Proctor High School in 1961. Ron attended F.I. Salter Trade School, specializing in welding prior to joining the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam Conflict. He was honorably discharged as a disabled veteran following an on-duty accident in Germany. During his career, he sandblasted fuel tanks in Texas, owned Arrowhead Paint Shop in Duluth, specializing in painting Pettibone cranes and took an early retirement from LaBounty in Two Harbors to care for his parents. Ron had a heart dedicated to serving others and with his spirit of adventure and willingness to help others, went on numerous mission trips to Torreon, Mexico to work with church building activities and his final trip in 2013, was to Slovakia to teach young men the skill of welding. Relationships were cherished among neighbors and friends. The Fon du Lac neighborhood were like family. Just a call away, Ron was there to help, or stop by his garage for your welding needs. Ron loved to work with the younger generation, encourage them spiritually and lived his life to demonstrate a positive Christian attitude. Most recently, his ministry led him to the Encounter Skate Park in downtown Duluth where he contributed energy and resources to improve the facilities for the young people of the area. Many stopped by "the home on the river" during Ron's last week's finding it difficult to express their thoughts. Ron would share with each one; "If you are not prepared to die... then how is it that you are prepared to live?" Ron was indeed prepared, and looked forward to his final journey. Ron was preceded in death by his parents, Ruth and Tom; brother, Dan (Darcy) Sjoblom of North Pole, Alaska; and sister Pat (Dave) Van Reese of Nashwauk. He is survived by his brother, Bill, formerly of Austin, Texas; and sister, Linda (David) Blankenship of Oklahoma; plus many nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews. The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to Essentia Hospice and the Solvay House for the incredible care and compassion shown to Ron during his final days. All of you were like family during a very trying time for his loved ones. CELEBRATION OF LIFE: 3 p.m. Thursday, June 9, at the Encounter Skate Park, 201 East First Street in Duluth, with Pastor Mark Pavola of Bayside Baptist Church officiating.