Ronald Blaine Rosenlund

October 14, 1930 – January 8, 2019

Ronald grew up living in Salt Lake City at various residences on the east side of town. Ron went to West High School, as did his wife, Helen, and their three surviving children Terry, Blaine and Annette. When Ron was 20 years old, he was drafted into the army to serve in the Korean War. He received an honorable discharge when his service ended. Ron didn’t talk much about the war. As with many veterans, the hard things they went through and saw were kept to themselves. When Ron came back from the war, his sister brought a friend with her to pick him up from the plane. Her friend was Helen Hollingshaus.

Ron and Helen began to date. She encouraged him to investigate The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, as she was a member. He soon became a member and the two were married in the Salt Lake Temple in May of 1954. They were married 58 years. After marrying, the couple moved into a home on the west side of Salt Lake.

Ron and Helen had five children together: Terry, Michelle, Janiece, Blaine and Annette. Michelle died as a baby from heart failure. Janiece died at 11 years old from Lymphosarcoma. They were later blessed and grateful for three grandchildren who later married and blessed them with seven great-grandchildren.

Ron loved to take his family camping because he had grown up camping. He took them to places where they could fish or hike. He also liked to go hunting. In the summertime, Ron would pack-up his family and go to California to see his sister, Donna and her husband, Ed Wise. Later when his son, Blaine was living in California, they would go there to visit him as well.

Ron also served as Scout Master for numerous years. He loved teaching the skills that are required in the Scouts. He also enjoyed camping with the boy scouts and the opportunity to be with the boys in the outdoors.

In their later years, Ron and Helen loved to take trips and travel. They went to Hawaii, Mexico, England, Branson and the Black Hills. They had hoped to travel more, but Helen’s health prevented them from continuing their travel plans.

Ron loved to work in his garden, remodel his home and help out others. He also enjoyed working with wood. Ron’s father was an avid carpenter and made beautiful furniture. Carpentry was Ron’s hobby. He made beautiful furniture and many other things following in the footsteps of his father. The main recipient of his handiwork was his daughter, Annette. He made beautiful furniture for her. He also made many gifts for other members of the family like elaborate jewelry boxes and fun reindeer for the holidays. Ron also enjoyed his stamp and coin collecting hobbies.

Paint contracting was Ron’s career. His largest client was ZCMI. He would work whatever hours were necessary to get the job done. He didn’t retire until he was in his late 60’s, when it became hard for him. However, he was always there to help a neighbor. His son, Terry followed in his footsteps and also became a Paint Contractor.

Ron was devoted to caring for Helen as her health declined. He was a kind and compassionate husband who lovingly cared for Helen’s every need. It was very hard for him to go on with life after her death, but he did so for seven years, greatly missing her presence.

As Ron aged, he became dependent on Annette for support. Annette sought to make her dad’s life happier by taking her dad out to many activities, including supporting the activities of his great-grandchildren and attending plays at Desert Star or Hale Theater. Ron took up a new hobby with Annette collecting gems. They attended many gem fairs together.

When driving became difficult for her father, Annette could be counted on to be her dad’s driver. They went shopping every Saturday to get him out of the house. Ron especially loved going to the farmer’s market. When he could no longer walk very far without tiring, he would sit in the car while Annette picked up their produce. This allowed him to still enjoy the activities going on at the market.

His membership in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was very important to Ron. He not only enjoyed the calling of being a Scout Master in his younger years, his favorite calling was being the Executive Secretary for six Bishops. Ron always said that it was the best calling in the Church, because you knew everything that was going on, but you didn’t have the stress of making the heavy or hard decisions.

This past November, Ron was rushed to the hospital. He was very gravely ill. His children, Annette and Terry were at the hospital every day to be with him. Blaine called frequently. Ron did not want to go to a rehab center or into a care facility. He wanted to be at home to be cared for. The decision was made to release him from the hospital to live with Terry and his wife, Cindy at their home where he could have more people helping him out. Blaine also came up from California to help them care for him. Annette visited often and helped out in many ways. Blaine, Terry and Cindy gave Ron around the clock care. The family, including Ron, enjoyed the holidays together. Ron’s spirit was willing to keep on living, but his body had other ideas. After receiving many in home care visits from Therapists, Nurses and finally, by Hospice Care givers, Ron received his wish to pass away peacefully at home.

Ron who lived a full and happy life passed away at age 88 on January 8, 2018. He will be missed very much by his family. His family is very grateful he no longer suffers from pain. During Ron’s last couple of months here on earth, his family enjoyed the precious opportunity they had to spend time with Ron and be together.

Ron was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Helen, (2011); and their two daughters, Janiece and Michelle.  He is survived by one sister, Donna (Ed) Wise; his sons, Terry (Cindy), Blaine (Jan); daughter, Annette; two granddaughters, Brenda (Dexter), Linda (Carl); one grandson, Troy (Sarah); and seven great-grandchildren.

Viewing to be held Friday, January 18, 2019, from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. at McDougal Funeral Home, 4330 South Redwood Road, Taylorsville. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, January 19, 2019, at 1:00 p.m. at the Pioneer Stake Center, 1401 West 700 South, Salt Lake City. Viewing prior to service from noon to 12:45 p.m. Interment to follow at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park, 3401 South Highland Drive, Salt Lake City.

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