Ronald Wayne Papenfus

Ronald (Ronnie) Wayne Papenfus died of natural causes at his home at the age of 66 on July 4, 2021.  Ronnie was born to Charles and Marjorie (Aulwes) Papenfus on March 12, 1955, in Albert Lea, Minnesota. Ronnie lived his childhood in Albert Lea, Austin and Dodge Center, Minnesota and as an adult in Austin, Texas, and Minneapolis.

Ronnie joined the US Army where he earned his GED and served in Germany during the Vietnam War. Ronnie worked as a roofer, welder and in construction.  Most recently, he did custodial work at U.S. Bank stadium.  Throughout life, Ronnie battled alcohol addiction and the struggles and obstacles that accompany it.  Ronnie was a kindhearted, private person, with a small but close circle of friends. He had a love for classic cars, vintage motorcycles and always had a “get rich quick” scheme he was working on. Ronnie loved his mom’s home cooking, especially her lefse.

Ronnie is survived by his two older brothers Rocky and Ric (Deb) Papenfus, and four younger sisters, Laurie Reynolds, Linda (Keith) Cooper, Judy Kent (Ken Sien), and Jenny (Dean) Blowers, his stepfather, David (Carolyn) Matthiesen and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Charles Papenfus, his mother, Marjorie Matthiesen, and nephew Nicholas Papenfus.

Ronnie will be sadly missed by his family and friends. Czaplewski Funeral Home is handling arrangements and the family will host a gathering to share memories to honor Ronnie’s life at a later date.