Funeral services will be 3:00 p.m. Friday, April 20, 2012 at Peace United Church of Christ in St. Cloud for Ronald H. Vierkant, age 89, of Sauk Rapids who passed away at his home on Sunday. Friends and relatives may call from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. on Thursday evening at Williams Dingmann Family Funeral Home in Sauk Rapids and one hour prior to the services Friday at the church. Rev. Hal Spann will officiate and burial will be at Benton County Cemetery in Sauk Rapids. Sauk Rapids American Legion Post #254 will pray at 7:00 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.

Ronald Henry Vierkant was born July 20, 1922 to Erich Vierkant and Grace Eberhardt Vierkant in St. Raphael’s (St. Cloud Hospital). He was raised on the family farm in Minden Township which he later bought and farmed himself. He graduated from Benton Co. #44 Country School in 8th grade, then attended the University of Minnesota School of Agriculture, St. Paul campus for two years. During the third year, the U.S. Government called him to World War II, so he joined the US Merchant Marines. Ron sailed the North Atlantic for 3 ½ years, 3 winters and 2 summers, on three different Liberty ships. On his return he married Evelyn Wesenberg of Sauk Rapids on May 22, 1948. Ron and Evelyn loved farming and farmed 52 ½ years; they were among the first conservation farmers in Benton County. Ron held several offices in Minden Township and Benton County, including 28 years on Benton County Co-op. He was a confirmed member of Peace United Church of Christ, St. Cloud all his life and served as a deacon at his church. Ron and Evelyn enjoyed traveling to California, Hawaii, Florida, New Hampshire, New Zealand and Australia.

Ron is survived by his children: Carolyn of New Hampshire, husband Dean; Gordon of Sauk Rapids, wife Debbie; and Kevin of Waite Park, wife Krystal; daughter-in-law, Linda; eleven grandchildren; five great grandchildren; and brothers and sister, Erwin of Dubuque, IA, Lois of Ft. Dodge, IA, and Harold of Mounds View. Ron was preceded in death by his parents, Erich and Grace Vierkant; his wife, Evelyn; son, Norman; and brother, Art.