Ronald Gotvaslee

Ronald was born November 24, 1958 to Olaf and Evelyn (Boutilier) Gotvaslee. He grew up on the family farm near Norwich and attended Granville Public School. After high school, Ron attended the State School of Science at Wahpeton ND where he learned the Auto Body trade. Shortly thereafter, he met his future wife, Sheila Klinkhammer. They married in 1981 and went on to raise four children and many family pets.

Ron worked for Burlington Northern for 9 years living two of those years in Aberdeen, SD. He spent a few winters being a stay-at-home Dad while Sheila worked. He enjoyed it as much as the kids.

In 1990, the family moved to Buffalo, MN. Ron was so happy on his little hobby farm. He could be found in his shop collecting, trading and working on his various projects, or listening to talk radio. He was known to try to mow and grill at the same time which tended to end in a similar way each time.

Ron worked for LORAM in Hamel, MN from 1990 until he retired. He was Lead Maintenance for the entire plant. Ron was a hard worker and won many awards through the years for his work.

Weekends he spent with family, fishing grilling or sitting around the fire at Ottertail or Maple Lake. Ron gardened during the summers, enjoyed auctions, hunting and camping. He ate healthy and had an affinity for chocolate and cooking creative dishes.

Throughout Ron’s journey of moves with his family, his 1967 Pontiac GTO got towed along the way.

In 2018 Ron retired and moved back to North Dakota.

Ron is survived by his 4 children, Robyn Gotvaslee, Shayna Gotvaslee (Glenn), Dustin Gotvaslee, and Gina (Jay) Isaacson; grandchildren, Daniel, Jonah, Shaylee, Jacob, Savannah, Cameron, Yanna, Austin, Avery, Tamia, Julian, Kashuis and Dalila; former wife, Sheila; siblings, Carol (Steve) Smith and Brian (Laurie) Gotvaslee; and other extended family.

Ron was preceded in death by his parents, Olaf and Evelyn Gotvaslee; and brothers, Wayne and Kenneth.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 31 at 10:30 at the Norwich Lutheran Church in Norwich. The service will be livestreamed for the public to view and can be accessed by going to the Norwich Lutheran Church YouTube page at Granville Norwich Lutheran Parish – YouTube. Burial will take place at a later date. Another memorial service will be held in Alexandria, MN, at a later date. Those wishing to sign the online register and share memories may access the online obituaries section at (www.thompsonlarson.com)

Published by The Minot Daily News, January, 24, 2026.