Ronald Marko

Ronald J. "Charlie" Marko, age 66 of Cottage Grove, passed away September 3, 2015 at Regions Hospital in St. Paul.

Memorial service will be 3:30 pm, Friday, September 11, 2015 at Kok Funeral Home, 7676 – 80th Street S., Cottage Grove with visitation from 1 pm until the time of service. A reception for family and friends will be held following the service at the American Legion Post 98, 328 Broadway Ave., St. Paul Park.

Ronald Joseph "Charlie" Marko was born in Webster, South Dakota on August 14, 1949 to Peter and Ione (Nelson) Marko. He graduated from Webster High School in 1968 and started working for the railroad the following year. Ronald was married to Geraldine Tol on November 14, 1970 and they built their first home in Cottage Grove in 1979. He worked as a signal maintainer for CP Rail for 43 years, retiring in 2009. They enjoyed the winter months in Arizona after retirement and joyfully welcomed their first grandchild in 2014. Ronald enjoyed Alaskan fishing trips, hunting and playing cards.

Ronald is survived by his wife, Geraldine; daughters, Catherine Ann Smith and Betty Jean (Cory) Ebsen and granddaughter Cora Ebsen; brothers Donald, Robert and James. He is preceded in death by his parents; brothers Dennis and John; son-in-law Noah Smith.