Ronald Shay

Ronald Lee Shay, age 63 of Cottage Grove, passed away unexpectedly on December 8, 2018.

Memorial service will be 6:00 pm, Wednesday, December 12, 2018 at Kok Funeral Home, 1201 Portland Ave., St. Paul Park with visitation starting at 4 pm until the time of service.  Memorials preferred in lieu of flowers.

Ronald Lee Shay was born September 15, 1955 in Mankato, Minnesota to Marcellus and Patricia (McIntyre) Shay.  He graduated from Park High School in 1974 and took a job at Smead Manufacturing  where he worked for 38 years in various positions.  Ron loved music and was known to break out in song at unexpected moments.  He recently developed an appreciation for Harley Davidson and loved taking his “fatboy” out on the open road.  Ron enjoyed golf and being in the sun relaxing with his shirt off.  He loved trivia and seemed to know something about everything.  He was often found bartending at DeMori’s and the American Legion in St. Paul Park over the past 40 years.  He had the ability to entertain the entire bar and knew how to love people and make them feel important.  Ron knew how to put the fun in “Sunday Funday.”

Ron is survived by his fiancé Traci Wagner; children Ryan (Shirvana) Shay, Leah Hunder, Kayla (Mike Lazusky) Pfeil; grandchildren Shirin, Rheeya, Aidan and Liam; sisters Debbie (Dave) Spiess and Sheri (Mark) Redding.  He is preceded in death by his parents and brother Robert.

Ron’s family would like to express their gratitude for the heartfelt care that they received from the staff at Region’s Hospital, especially the members of the Oncology Unit.