Ronald Glen Stephan, 79, of Rochester, MN passed away, with his loving wife by his side at his home on May 9, 2026. He fought hard to overcome Multiple Myeloma for 5 years and put up an extraordinary fight.

Ron was born on January 11, 1947 in Rochester, MN at St. Mary's Hospital to Viola (King) and Myron Stephan. After graduating high school from Byron, MN he enjoyed passing the time with his friends, working on a collection of classic cars, that he meticulously maintained, and visiting his mom at the local truck-stop she owned on South Broadway. In 1967 he was drafted into the U.S. Army and served in the Vietnam War. Upon returning he met his beloved future wife at the Outrigger. They were married 6 months later, on November 4, 1972. Ron worked 2 jobs most of his career, owned his own carpet cleaning business for 45 years where he built relationships with customers. He was also a Lead Maintenance Engineer for Rochester Public Schools, retired after 33 years, where he formed lasting friendships and provided staff what they needed to make the school a better place.

Ron applied this same pride and meticulous care in nurturing his family and always giving whatever was needed to help them thrive. He worked hard to provide all the family fun things, including a weekend getaway spot near Wabasha, MN, and was enjoyed by all for 25 years. Yearly trips "Up North" were never missed, he enjoyed having his girls close by, and eventually the grandkids too. He enjoyed boating and fishing, it was a really good excuse for him to be with family and show off all his fishing lures. Another of his favorite hobbies was tinkering in his workshop and building custom furniture for family and friends. He was an avid finder of "the scenic route" no matter how much longer it took. These drives took us on road trips from CA to Boston and everywhere in between. Most recently the short road trips him and mom would take almost always landed them along the Mississippi River somewhere, MN or WI, where they would enjoy a peaceful walk by the river at Merrick State Park.

Ron will be remembered dearly and cherished in our hearts for his loyalty and love of his family and wife of 54 years, and willingness to maintain lasting friendships despite differences. We will cherish all the memories and keep watch for signs of him all around us.

He is survived by his wife, Cindy, of Rochester, MN, his daughters Amber Stephan (Scott Tuohy) of Rochester, MN; Tahnee (Jesse) Stephan-Hoekstra; 1 sister Sandra (Mark) Seabright; 3 grandkids, Marlee, Briar, and Norah Hoekstra; and many lifelong friends.

The Memorial Service will be held at 12:00 p.m. Wednesday, May 20, 2026 at The River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home with Fr. Brian Klein officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior. The burial will be in Minnesota State Veteran's Cemetery in Preston, MN.