Ronald Walter Noesen

Ronald Walter Noesen, age 94, of Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, died September 28, 2026, in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin.

Ron was the firstborn son of Walter George Noesen and Myrtle Gladys Storm, born June 9, 1932. He was preceded in death by his treasured wife of 62 years, Laura Mae Noesen, his parents, and his sister, Madonna Ann Hobson. He is survived by his two brothers, Michael and David Noesen, his children (4), grandchildren (14), and great-grandchildren (8).

Ron was a standout athlete and coach. He was inducted into three Hall of Fames. Detroit Lakes High School honored him as a three-sport star in football, basketball, and track. Ron was one of Minnesota's most feared running backs and a state finalist in the pole vault. His hometown also honored his accomplishments as a Hall of Honor Inductee. Moorhead State University inducted him into its Hall of Fame as an all-conference running back. Shanley High School in Fargo, ND, honored him in its Hall of Fame as the head track coach who led his team to their first indoor state track title.

Ron taught, coached, and was Athletic Director and Dean of Students at Shanley High School. In 2019, he received the Deacon Award for exemplifying the ideals of a deacon (servant) through extensive gifts of time, talent, and treasure. His proudest accomplishment was starting the Roger Maris Honorary Golf Tournament in 1983.

For all of Ron’s athletic accomplishments, the way he treated people said the most about who he was. He could strike up a conversation with anyone and had a genuine interest in people, especially those who often went unnoticed—the custodian, the cafeteria worker, or anyone quietly going about their work behind the scenes.

Ron enjoyed golf and missed playing at the Hawley Golf Course when his body was no longer able. Ron was a self-taught woodworker and had blessed his children and grandchildren with hundreds of crafted pieces. The grandkids will miss their cherished time with him and Grandma on Cotton Lake every summer.

Ron’s greatest legacy is his family. Ron’s eldest daughter, Susan Noesen, has three children: Matthew Pederson (wife Amulya), Thomas Pederson, and Emma Jensen (husband Kelby), who are expecting their son shortly.

Daughter Theresa Jace and Tony have four children and four grandchildren: Clara Piano (husband Ennio and their children Marialaura, Pietro, and Benedetto), Adam Jace, Anna Shehan (husband Curtis and their son Thomas), and Samuel Jace.

Daughter Brenda Peppers and Ty have four children and three grandchildren: Kristen Kelly (husband Quintin and their children Ryan and Mason), Christopher Peppers (and his son Rowan), Katherine Peppers, and Rebecca Peppers.

Ron’s youngest daughter, Rebecca Steinberg, and Mat have three children: Joseph Steinberg, Ella Steinberg, and Luke Steinberg.

Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, October 9, 2026, at St. Jerome Catholic Church in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin. The Rosary and Divine Mercy Chaplet will follow at 10:30 a.m., and a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m.

A private burial will take place on Monday, October 12, 2026, at St. Francis Xavier Cemetery in Sartell, Minnesota.

To read a write-up of Ron's biography and his many wonderful accomplishments, please visit: https://www.dllakers.com/layout_container/show_layout_tab?layout_container_id=42489309&page_node_id=4057961&tab_element_id=14836