Ronald Lee Waterman

"Ronnie"

November 26, 1944 ~ March 9, 2019

Ronald “Ronnie” Waterman, 74, of Park Rapids passed away Saturday, March 9, 2019 at the Crystal Brook Senior Living in Park Rapids. 

Memorial service is pending at this time. 

Ronald was born November 26, 1944 to Byron and Gladys (Schwenger) Waterman at the Old Churchill Hospital in Park Rapids. He attended school and graduated with the class of 1962 from Park Rapids High School. Ronnie was a proud and well-connected Park Rapids resident, with working for the city parks, Bell telephone, the movie theatre, mowing yards and of course owning “The Gift Shop” downtown for over 20 years until his retirement. He attended regularly at Riverside United Methodist Church. 
Ronnie was one of a kind. His kindness and honesty was shared with those he knew forever and those he just met. Ronnie spent every possible moment downtown Park Rapids enjoying his friends, keeping up on the latest news, and cruising Main Street in his signature golf cart. He loved his family time, running his store, his collection of pencil sharpeners he shared with the community, Elvis and his trip to Graceland, and always had a few Digiorno Pizzas on hand. He and his best friend Wally Johnson were inseparable for many years. From keeping the town in the loop and up to date, to their annual 5 day trip to the Minnesota State Fair. Ronnie will truly be missed by a community that loved him. 
He is survived by his siblings, Sandra Walsh of Park Rapids and Robert (Meredith) Waterman of Rochester; nieces and nephews, Roger (Sherry) Walsh, Robin (Jodi) Walsh, Steven (Kristine) Walsh, Tony (Christine Jacobs) Walsh, Nancy (Jay) Eystad, Melissa (Stephan) Waterman-Keinath and Nick Waterman; with many great-nieces and nephews and friends. 
Ronnie was preceded in death by his parents; brother-in-law, Richard Walsh and Best Friend, “Wally” Johnson.

Rosanne Johnson (Van Cleve) (1961)

Such a nice tribute this kind and gentle man.  Surely everyone in Park Rapids knew Ronnie as a gentle soul. His presence the community and in the church will be remembered by those of us who knew him.  Condolences to his family from those of us who had the opportunity to learn from his gentle nature.  And as you say he and Wally are likely happy to be together again.  They were two of a kind.