Ronald DeMers

Minot

Ronald (Ron) David DeMers, 66, Minot, died Sunday November 16, in his home after a courageous battle with glioblastoma brain cancer.

Ron was born on September 7, 1959 in Rolla, N.D. to Robert and Yvonne (Trottier) DeMers. He was the second oldest of seven children. He grew up on the family farm near St. John, North Dakota.

Growing up, he was involved in high school football and basketball and 4-H club. He enjoyed racing enduro cars and demolition derbies. He won a pickup pull with his dad’s 1975 Chevy farm truck. He learned his work ethic at an early age from helping out on the family farm. Ron graduated from St. John Public School in 1977 and furthered his education at Lake Region College in Devil’s Lake. He earned a two-year degree in farm and ranch management.

Ron met the love of his life, Shelly Boppre during the summer of 1989. They were married at St. Leo the Great Catholic Church on April 7, 1990. They were blessed with two sons, Zachary and Lucas. Ron loved to spend time with his family, especially his wife Shelly and their two boys.

Ron continued working on the family farm until he relocated with his family to Minot in 1998. In Minot, he worked as a hazardous material truck driver first for Cenex Harvest States and most recently, for Pinnacle of Stanley. His health forced him to retire in May 2022.

Ron was a hard worker and an excellent provider for his family. His family was important to him and he supported his sons, Zac and Luke in everything they did. He enjoyed camping and vacations with his family, taking care of his yard/garden and appreciating God’s beauty in everyday life.

Ron’s Catholic faith and love for God increased during his life. Ron participated in multiple pilgrimages with his family, including a pilgrimage to Rome with his church in 2015. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus.

Ron’s faith and trust in God’s plan was remarkable throughout his illness. He fought the cancer with everything he had. During the latter stages of treatment, he enrolled in a clinical trial hoping to help in finding a cure for glioblastoma cancer.

Ron’s loving family includes his wife of 35 years, Shelly; sons, Zac and Luke, Minot; parents, Robert and Yvonne St. John; Mother-in-law, Sharon Boppre, Minot; siblings, Mike (Annie), St. John, Pat (significant other Chris), Phoenix, Ariz., Gary (Lori) Rugby, Larry (Barbara) Peoria, Ariz., Lisa (Doug) Studaker, Port Charlotte, Florida and Gregg (Carmen) Fargo; in-laws, Greg (Jeanne) Boppre, Grand Forks, Audrey (David) Knutson, Circle Pines, Minn. and Brian (Debra) Boppre, Minot. Other survivors include numerous nieces and nephews and aunts and uncles.

Ron was preceded in death by his grandparents, numerous aunts and uncles, father-in-law, Lloyd Boppre, nephews, Kevin and Jason Boppre and brother-in-law, Darryl Boppre.

Mass of Christian Burial: 11 a.m. Monday November 24, 2025 at St. Leo the Great Catholic Church, Minot.

Interment: Rosehill Memorial Park, Minot, ND

Visitation: Sunday November 23, 2025 from 3-5 p.m. at St. Leo the Great Catholic Church, Minot.

Recitation of the Rosary and Vigil prayer service: 5 p.m. in the Church

Memories and condolences can be shared at www.thomasfamilyfuneralhome.com

Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot is in care of Ronald’s Arrangements.

Published by The Minot Daily News, November 19, 2025.