Ronald Abrahamson Obituary

Ronald Lee Abrahamson

Ronald Lee Abrahamson passed away with grace on August 31, 2025, at the Virginia Essentia Hospital, surrounded by his loving family.

Ron was born in Virginia, Minn., on April 13, 1936, to Staale and Ingrid Abrahamson and spent his childhood years growing up on the northside of town. He was a champion golfer and started early as a young entrepreneur doing various jobs such as working for the local Coca Cola bottling company and local newspaper. He graduated from the Virginia Roosevelt High School in 1954. He then attended the University of Minnesota, Duluth and earned a bachelor's degree, in Industrial Arts Instruction.

Ron married the love of his life, Elizabeth Ann Barboni, on November 12, 1956. They started their family alongside starting his mobile home sales business in Virginia, Minn.. Ron also acquired his certification and sold real estate. The family enjoyed a lavender painted cabin on Lake Fourteen in Britt for many summers. They moved their family of 8 to Tower, Minn., in 1970. There, they created and operated Hearthside Homes for the adult developmentally disabled for over 20 years on the shores of Lake Vermilion. Ron also owned and operated a used car business called Classy Cars as well as the Westside Body Shop on the main street of Tower with his sons and daughter for many years. He had a lifetime love of Lincoln Continentals and Cadillacs. He truly enjoyed cruising the highways, backroads, and local streets, always stopping to check out points of interest. Ron, along with his beautiful wife of 57 years, thoroughly enjoyed attending every sporting event and special activities of their children and grandchildren. He acquired many fun nicknames such as "Uncle Ronnie" as fondly called by his clients at Hearthside Homes, "Mr. Wonderful," "Ron T" and "the Governor." Ron was always ready for a good laugh and enjoyed embellishing stories, leaving his listeners wondering how much of it was factual. Ron currently lived at Edgewood Vista in Virginia with his beloved fiancé Nathalie Jensrud. He very much enjoyed many of the other tenants and staff, games and activities as well as the live music performances that were held there. Ron also cherished his class reunions he attended once a month with his dear classmates.

He is survived by his treasured children; Ronald (Pam) Abrahamson, Stephen (Ann Waugh) Abrahamson, Julie (John) Suihkonen, Joan (David) Broten, Anthony Abrahamson, and Susan Abrahamson. His cherished grandchildren; Stephen Abrahamson, Jacob (Amanda) Abrahamson, Synnove (John) Nieuwenhuis, Dean (Brianna) Broten, Zachariah (Kalee Bjorgo) Schroeder, Alexander (Ashley) Suihkonen, Elizabeth (Kyle) Parker, Barbara (Zachary) Broten-Lundstrom, Christopher (Kayla Evans) Suihkonen, James (Sam) Ayres and beloved Great grandchildren; Zaija Schroeder, Boone and Hux Broten, Ellie, Frank and Louie Suihkonen, Ariya, Raegan and Jackson Nieuwenhuis, Stella and Harlan Lundstrom, Sawyer, Finnley and Lucca Suihkonen, Lorayne Parker, Nova Ayers and Miranda Haapala. He is also survived by beloved fiancé Nathalie Jensrud and extended, cherished family and friends.

Ron was preceded in death by his parents Staale and Ingrid, wife Elizabeth, and brothers Eric Stanley, Gordon, Robert, Harold and sister Sigrid.

A private memorial will be held to celebrate Ron's amazing life.

Arrangements are with the Landmark Funeral Home in Virginia.