Ronald Eugene Tibbetts

Reverend Ronald Eugene Tibbetts, 68 of Aitkin died Thursday, April 9, 2020 at Rivers Edge Assisted Living in Aitkin.  He was born January 5, 1952 in Aitkin the youngest of four children to Willard and Dora (Peterson) Tibbetts. 

His great-great grandfather served in the Revolutionary War and his great-grandfather was the first white settler founding and naming the town of Aitkin after serving in the Civil War in 1871.  He attended school in Aitkin until 1969.  Ronald continued his family tradition of military service.  He was a Sergeant in the U.S. Army in 1970 - 1971, serving as an Infantry Squad Leader in the Paratroopers in Vietnam in 1971. 

He worked construction as a journeyman in sheet metal layout and ventilation in Aitkin and Minneapolis through 1982.  He attended Concordia College, St. Paul in the Pre-Seminary program from 1982 – 1986.  He graduated Cum Laude, with a major in Liberal Arts and Minors in World Literature and Biblical Greek.  While in college he supervised Concordia College Security. 

He attended Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, Missouri from 1987 – 1992 while working on the seminary telephone switchboard.  His Seminary Vicarage in 1990 – 1991 was at dual parishes in Scottville and Ludington, Michigan.  The former was an established congregation with over 600 members and the latter was a new mission which he guided through its first building program.  His First Call and Ordination in August of 1992 was in Babbitt, MN. through 1994.  He served vacancies in Garrison and Chisago City, MN. from 1994 – 1997 and then was Pastor at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Grey Eagle, MN.  Ronald enjoyed watching pro sports, hunting, fishing, riding his Harley, photography, and reading.

He was preceded in death by his parents: Willard and Dora Tibbetts, brothers: Duane “Greasy” Tibbetts and a stillborn brother, and his sister Mary (Tibbetts) Peterson. 

Ronald is survived by his brother Harvey Tibbetts of East Dubuque, Illinois,

6 nieces and nephews: Tony, Darren, Jackie, Becky, Joni, Babe,

And many other special relatives and friends. 

Graveside services will be at Lakeview Cemetery in Aitkin.  Reverend David Becker will officiate.  A public gathering of friends and family and military honors for Ronald will be held at a later date.  Arrangements are with Sorensen-Root-Thompson Funeral Home & Cremation Services in Aitkin.  To leave a message of condolence, go to www.srtfuneral.com

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