1941
Ronald
2014
Ronald Biss
December 20, 1941 — October 30, 2014
Ronald Biss, 72, formerly from Elbow Lake, passed away at his residence in Bloomington, MN on Thursday, October 30, 2014. Ron Biss was born in Fergus Falls, MN on December 20, 1941. He and his twin brother, Richard, were the first children of Randle and Madeline (Cornillie) Biss. Ron spent his childhood years familiarizing himself with nature, farming, and learning how to beautifully manage the role of eldest of his siblings. He and Rick attended their first year of education at the Delaware Township School just a short ½ mile away from the family farm. His remaining years of school were spent at the Elbow Lake public schools, graduating in 1960. During those early formative years, Ron was actively involved in 4-H and a number of school activities, all which crafted his life-long commitment to leadership in his community. Ron lived and farmed in the Elbow Lake area until 1980, after which time he moved to the Twin Cities. While there, he was a business owner of Minneapolis Window Shade, specializing in energy efficient window treatments. Ron's roots in agriculture and his love of nature influenced a life long interest in conserving and appreciating the land and natural resources. He finished his career working with Laidlaw Transit Services and, in many respects, that experience was the launching pad for what became a fearless commitment to accessibility and transportation on a metropolitan and statewide basis. In his life, he served on the Minnesota Department of Transportation's GO Steering Committee, MnDOT Americans with Disabilities Act Advisory Committee (ADAAC) and the Metropolitan Council Transportation Accessibility Advisory Council (TAAC). At the time of his death, Ron was completing his third year as chairperson for the TAAC and most recently, lead an effort, along with the Minnesota State Council on Disabilities, to propose legislative changes which expanded TAAC's role to include not just Metro Mobility but all transit services provided by the Metropolitan Council.
A large portion of Ron's life was dedicated to volunteerism, the genesis of which began in his early years at the family farm in Delaware Township. He was an active member of St. Olaf's Parish in Elbow Lake, MN and he continued his commitment to his faith community as he became a long-term member of Nativity of Mary Church in Bloomington, MN where he served on the Social Justice Committee. Perhaps the most significant volunteer influence for Ron was the time he spent with the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Literally hundreds of clients, families and volunteers saw Ron as an advocate, a mentor and trusted friend. The circle of MDA has been impacted by his contributions and will clearly miss his courage, his spirit and his sparkling smile. His strong example helped those living with Muscular Dystrophy to experience the joy of life, friends, community involvement, work and recreation. Ron treasured family and delighted in time with them whenever he had the chance. Ron was preceded in death by his parents, Randle and Madeline, and his brother, Richard. He is survived by sister-in law Mona (Richard) Biss, brother Jim (Sandy) Biss, sister Sharon (Jim) Holmgren, sister Teresa Biss, and brother Tom Biss, along with his treasured nieces and nephews, and great nieces and nephews.
Visitation: One hour prior to the service Mass of Christian Burial: 11:00 AM, Thursday, November 6, 2014 at St. Olaf Church, Elbow Lake Clergy: Father Michael Kellogg Arrangements: Erickson-Smith Funeral Home of Elbow Lake Condolences: EricksonSmithFH.com
Ronald Biss Video Tribute
Ronald Biss Folder
Funeral Home: Erickson-Smith Funeral Home - Elbow Lake 116 1st Street NE Elbow Lake, MN US 56531
Thursday, November 6, 2014
Service
Thursday, November 6, 2014
cemetery
Thursday, November 6, 2014
A large portion of Ron's life was dedicated to volunteerism, the genesis of which began in his early years at the family farm in Delaware Township. He was an active member of St. Olaf's Parish in Elbow Lake, MN and he continued his commitment to his faith community as he became a long-term member of Nativity of Mary Church in Bloomington, MN where he served on the Social Justice Committee. Perhaps the most significant volunteer influence for Ron was the time he spent with the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Literally hundreds of clients, families and volunteers saw Ron as an advocate, a mentor and trusted friend. The circle of MDA has been impacted by his contributions and will clearly miss his courage, his spirit and his sparkling smile. His strong example helped those living with Muscular Dystrophy to experience the joy of life, friends, community involvement, work and recreation. Ron treasured family and delighted in time with them whenever he had the chance. Ron was preceded in death by his parents, Randle and Madeline, and his brother, Richard. He is survived by sister-in law Mona (Richard) Biss, brother Jim (Sandy) Biss, sister Sharon (Jim) Holmgren, sister Teresa Biss, and brother Tom Biss, along with his treasured nieces and nephews, and great nieces and nephews.
Visitation: One hour prior to the service Mass of Christian Burial: 11:00 AM, Thursday, November 6, 2014 at St. Olaf Church, Elbow Lake Clergy: Father Michael Kellogg Arrangements: Erickson-Smith Funeral Home of Elbow Lake Condolences: EricksonSmithFH.com
Funeral Home: Erickson-Smith Funeral Home - Elbow Lake 116 1st Street NE Elbow Lake, MN US 56531
Previous Events
VisitationThursday, November 6, 2014
10:00 AM
St. Olaf Catholic Church
518 E. Division St.
Elbow Lake, MN 56531
Thursday, November 6, 2014
11:00 AM
St. Olaf Catholic Church
518 E. Division St.
Elbow Lake, MN 56531
With Visitation one hour prior to the service at St. Olaf Church.
Thursday, November 6, 2014
St. Loretto Cemetery
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Elbow Lake, MN 218-685-43
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