Ronald Jerome Lunde

Ronald J. Lunde, age 81 of Benson, AZ and formerly of Grafton, ND passed away on Saturday, November 7, 2015 in Tucson, AZ. Ronald J. Lunde was born July 24, 1934 in Grafton, ND the son of the late Harold and Julanda (Helgenset) Lunde. He graduated from Grafton High School in 1952. He enlisted in the United States Air Force on January 11, 1955 and retired on January 31, 1975. He married Marion Dryer on October 2, 1957 in Tucson, AZ. Together they had four children, Ronald Jr., Robert, Karen and Thomas. During his military service he traveled throughout the world, serving numerous times in Southeast Asia during the Vietnam War. After serving in Spain for three years with his family, they returned to the United States for the remainder of his enlistment, moving every few years, retiring at Grand Forks AFB. Following retirement they moved to Grafton where he worked for Job Service, Simonson Service Station and for various farmers during harvest before deciding to leave Grafton for warmer weather in California. He worked for Civil Service at Edwards Air Force Base as a photographer until retiring at the age of 66. He and his wife then moved to Benson, AZ where he lived until his death. He was known for his whistling, jingling keys and coins in his pockets and teasing children. He is survived by his wife, Marion, children: Robert (Terry) Lunde, Goodyear, AZ; Karen (Michael) Hills, Grafton, ND; daughter-in-law, Danette Lunde, Crookston, MN; grandchildren: Justin (Megan) Hills, Moorhead, MN; Meagan (Clint) Chadwick, Flagstaff, AZ; Erin (Jeff) Archer, Prescott, AZ; Tanner Hills, Grand Forks, ND; Tawnya Lunde, North Edwards, CA; Thomas Ronald (Mysti) Lunde, Huntsville, AL; great grandchildren: Kayden Shelton, Logan Archer, Tanner Archer, Maci Hills, Violet Lunde, Caroline Chadwick and one expected in April, his sister, Geraldine (Joe) Pawlowski, Stillwater, MN. He was preceded in death by his parents and sons: Ronald Jr and Thomas. Funeral services will be Tuesday, November 17, 2015 at 11:00 A.M. at Grafton Lutheran church. Visitation will be Tuesday for one hour prior to the service. Interment will be at Grafton Lutheran Cemetery. Military rites will be provided by the Grafton American Legion Post and the North Dakota National Guard Honor Guard.