Ronald Lee Townsend Sr.

Ronald Lee Townsend, Sr., born on June 16, 1939 and passed away on January 24, 2026. Ron was a devoted husband, loving father and grandfather, gifted artist, and gentle soul,

A Time of Gathering to celebrate Ron’s life will be held at 11:00 AM, with closing words at 12:00 PM, on Saturday, February 7, 2026 at Ballard-Sunder Funeral & Cremation (4565 Pleasant St SE) in Prior Lake.

Born in Wilmington, Delaware, to Owen Wells Townsend and Ella Mae Townsend (née Williamson). The oldest of five children, Ron grew up surrounded by his siblings Owen, Lowell, John, and Linda, and carried that deep sense of family with him throughout his life.

Some of Ron’s most cherished early memories were made during summers spent on his grandparents’ farm in Wilmington days filled with hard work, laughter, and the simple joys of togetherness that shaped the man he would become. He graduated from Simon Gratz High School and proudly served five years in the United States Marine Corps. During his service, Ron discovered a love of travel, especially treasuring time spent in Hawaii and Japan.

On April 10, 1964, Ron married the love of his life, Ereann Jamison, in Philadelphia after the two met through mutual friends. Their marriage of 61 years was a beautiful partnership built on love, loyalty, and shared adventure.

Ron spent 25 years as a graphic artist at Berm Studio in Yeadon, Pennsylvania, where his creativity and dedication shone through his work. Art was not just his profession; it was his passion. He loved to draw, could happily spend hours in art museums, and never lost his sense of wonder for creativity and beauty.

Outside of his artistic pursuits, Ron found joy in gardening something his wife fondly described as “his life.” Summers were often spent at the New Jersey shore, a beloved tradition that included annual beach trips and memorable New Year’s Eve gatherings filled with warmth and laughter. A devoted Disney World fan, Ron’s visits there transformed him into a joyful five-year-old, brimming with excitement and childlike wonder.

In the early 2000s, Ron and Ereann relocated to Minnesota, where he continued to enjoy art, family, and the companionship of his beloved dogs, especially his labs, whom he adored.

Ron was preceded in death by his parents, Owen Wells and Ella Mae Townsend, and his brother, Lowell. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Ereann; his children, Karen Townsend and Ronald Lee Townsend, Jr. (Jenn); four grandchildren; his siblings, Owen (Rosemary) Townsend, John Townsend, and Linda Martinelli; and many extended family members and friends who will miss him dearly.