Ronald (Ron) James Dufault, 80, died unexpectedly Feb. 3, 2023, at his home in St. Anthony Park.
Ron was born Sept. 27, 1942, to Lawrence and Lucille (Normandin) Dufault in northwestern Minnesota. After graduating from Northwest School of Agriculture in Crookston, he enrolled at the University of Minnesota.
While working at the University’s student union, Ron made friends with foreign exchange students and students from all across America. His home was always a gathering spot for them. He also hosted many at his parents’ lake home.
Ron was an Army veteran. He was stationed in Germany. Later in life he returned to Europe more than once.
Among many interests, Ron greatly enjoyed the Minnesota State Fair and his service as a volunteer at the Minnesota State Horticultural Society there. He helped develop and maintain (year-round) a landscaped section outside one of the main entrances to the Horticulture Building on the fairgrounds. He spent every day of the Fair fielding questions from passers-by regarding the plants and workings of the plot, which included a running water pond. For several years the pond had various fish he housed in his home during the off-season.
An avid gardener, Ron even used part of his home as a greenhouse and grew various plants he traded with others in the neighborhood or donated to the St. Anthony Park Garden Club helping raise money for their activities.
Ron planted hundreds of trees in this area, with the help of Tree Trust and volunteers. He designed the window boxes at the St. Anthony Park Library and maintained them for 10 years, with the help of other volunteers.
Ron was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by brothers, Eugene and Cary (Sharon) Dufault, both of Crookston; and a sister, Connie (Dave) Ross, of Campbell, Minnesota.
Final arrangements are pending. For more information, please contact Gene Dufault at genedufault@gmail.com or Connie Ross at cdross1987@gmail.com.
