Ronald Glenn Nessett

Ronald Nessett, age 86, of Wheaton, Minnesota passed away Saturday, July 25, 2026 at his residence in Wheaton, Minnesota.

Ronald Glenn Nessett was born on October 23, 1939, to Albert and Burnette (Segersten) Nesset in Cormant Township, Beltrami County, Minnesota. Ron grew up surrounded by the quiet beauty of northern Minnesota and the steady values instilled by his hardworking father and loving mother. Those early years helped shape a life marked by resilience, humility, and a deep appreciation for family.

Ron attended Blackduck High School through the eleventh grade and then moved to Montana and worked on a ranch. He came back to Minnesota and successfully passed the Army GED requirement and enlisted in the United States Army in 1961. He proudly served his country until 1964, stationed in Germany from 1962 to 1964. During his military service, he earned the Good Conduct Medal and achieved Expert Rifle qualification. Following active duty, he remained in the Army Reserve until receiving his honorable discharge in 1967.

After completing his military service, Ron built a long and steady career as an electrician. He finished his Electrical Wireman Apprenticeship in 1969 and earned his Journeyman Electrical Wireman license that same year. Ron worked as a Journeyman Wireman with IBEW Local 294 from 1965 to 1982. In 1982 he accepted a position with 3M in St. Paul, where he spent fifteen dedicated years. He later returned to the Iron Range as a construction electrician in 1996 until his retirement in 2001.

In May 1965, Ron married JoAnn Carol Loch. Together they raised four beautiful children, Mike, Rhonda, Todd and Jeff. They made their home near Biwabik, Minnesota, and in 1972 moved to Cook, Minnesota, where they enjoyed farming, cattle, chickens, pigs, and a horse. They later returned to Cedar Island Lake near Biwabik before eventually divorcing around 1980.

Ron married Doris Elg in 1984. Together they lived in St. Paul while Ron continued his career at 3M. During those years they purchased a small cabin on Lake Vermilion. With his remarkable craftsmanship and determination, Ron hand-built a beautiful log cabin overlooking the lake, creating a place that became a treasured home where they enjoyed their passion for fishing. They moved to Lake Vermillion after his retirement from 3M. When stairs became difficult for Doris, they built another beautiful home in Eveleth, Minnesota, where they remained until Doris passed away in 2014. Ron moved to Wheaton, Minnesota in 2015 to be closer to his children and family.

Ron was an avid fisherman and hunter throughout his life and found great joy in the outdoors. He was also an exceptionally talented woodworker who built beautiful birdhouses, bird feeders, mailboxes, benches, and tree swings that will continue to be enjoyed for years to come. Ron had an incredible ability to build or repair almost anything. To those who knew him, there truly wasn’t anything he couldn’t fix.

One of Ron's masterpieces was made with the weathered lumber from his house in Wheaton into a beautiful tree swing that still hangs in Rhonda’s yard today. He loved stopping for morning coffee, and many treasured memories were made with Rhonda while sitting together on that swing. It is a simple reminder of the love, craftsmanship, and quiet moments that made Ron so special.

Ron will be remembered for his strong work ethic, his generous heart, his willingness to help anyone in need, and the pride he took in everything he built. He also had an uncanny knack of saying a lot without saying a word. You could read his thoughts by just looking into his eyes as you talked to him. His legacy lives on not only through the homes, cabins, and woodworking projects he created but, more importantly, through the family he loved so deeply.

Ron was a member of the American Legion and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Union.

He leaves behind his daughter, Rhonda (Dale) Hanson of Wheaton, Mn; his son, Jeffrey (Stacy) Nessett of Dassel, MN; and his stepchildren, Mike (Terry) Beier of Wheaton, MN, Susan (Larry) Odella of Virginia, MN, and Brian (Kelly) Suihkonen of Britt, MN.

He is also survived by his grandchildren, Tonya Carlson, Kyrsten (Jacob) Cassada, Amanda Nessett, Beau Nessett, Derek Nessett, and Jadyn Nessett; five great-grandchildren; 18 step-grandchildren, including: Jennifer (Elwood) Caldwell, John (Bethany) Turja, Erica (Boomer) Dimberio, Angela (Benny) Denny, Jesse (Gina) Suihkonen, and Jocelyn Suihkonen; and numerous step-great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Ron was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Doris; his son, Todd Jay Nessett; his stepdaughter, Sandra Turja; his parents, Albert and Burnette Nesset; and his brothers, Lee Nesset, Alan Nesset and his wife, Rosalyn, and Curtis Nesset.

Ron’s family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to everyone who has supported them during this difficult time. Although Ron didn’t live in Wheaton for long, the friendships he found at the American Legion, the Senior Center, and Good Shepherd Lutheran Church brought him tremendous joy and fulfillment in his later years. Many have shared how much they will miss seeing him driving around town in his gator — a sight that became a beloved part of the community. He truly was one in a million. Thank you all for your kindness, your friendship, and for welcoming him so warmly into the neighborhood.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held Saturday, August 8, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Wheaton, Minnesota with Rev. Cheryl Berg officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to service time at the church. Burial will be held at a later date. Lunch will be served in the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church fellowship hall following Military Rites provided by the Merton Dale American Legion Post #80.