Fred Ronkowski

As a result of current restrictions on gatherings, we are providing HeartStrings, our online sympathy message where you can upload a photo and write a note or share a memory that will be printed and given to the family. Please click here to send your support.

Fred Ronkowski, age 81 of Cottage Grove, passed away August 21, 2020.

Fred was born in the Como Park area of St. Paul on April 8, 1939 to Frank and Helen Ronkowski.  He grew up in St. Paul and graduated from Cretin High School in 1958.  Fred met the love of his life, Mary Faith Eggert and they were married in December of 1959.  They lived in St. Paul for a few years before moving to Cottage Grove in 1962.  Fred was employed at the main post office in St. Paul for over 40 years and served as a tour superintendent for many of those years.  After he retired, he worked well into his 70’s as a model home host in the area.

Fred enjoyed staying active, whether it was running, golfing, photography, the numerous locations that he and Faith traveled or the annual trips to the Boundary Waters.  He was also an avid reader and fan of classic movies.  Fred was an active longtime member of the Church of St. Rita where he served as head usher for many years.  He enjoyed his daily routine and loved a good conversation.  Fred adored his family and will be deeply missed.

He is survived by his wife Faith; daughters Rose Powell, Denise (Tim) Jass, Michele (Danny Lutz) Ronkowski, Angela (Dan) Vaith; grandchildren Theresa Otterness, Eric Otterness, Monica Vaith, Bradley Vaith, Jeremy Jass and Zachary Powell; great-grandchild Jayden Jass; siblings Carleen (Bill) Lewno, Mary Ann Singer and Jerry Ronkowski; sister-in-law Jan Ronkowski as well as nieces and nephews.  He is preceded in death by his parents and brother Ed.

Memorial visitation will be Thursday, 4-7 pm at Kok Funeral Home, 7676 80th Street S. Cottage Grove.  Memorial Mass will be 11:00 am Friday, August 28, 2020 at The Church of St. Rita, 8694 80th Street S., Cottage Grove.  Interment at Cottage Grove Cemetery.

LIVESTREAM INFORMATION:  Fred's service will be live streamed, starting at 11:00 am on August 28th, and can be viewed by scrolling to the bottom of this page, UNDER THE SERVICE DETAILS "CLICK HERE TO ACCESS THE VIDEO" to begin. Please leave a message of support on our Tribute Wall or complete the HeartStrings message form to let the family know you were able to watch the service

While maintaining social distancing guidelines, we are now able to accommodate gatherings while abiding to a 50% capacity at the facility. The use of face masks by attendees is required at indoor events, and we will continue taking the necessary steps to keep your families safe. Expressions of sympathy during this time can be left on the condolences page available on the obituary portion on our website. We also encourage you to view the video tribute once it becomes available or complete the HeartStrings online sympathy page with the link above.