Laron Prehn

Laron E. Prehn, 64, of Moorhead, MN, died Wednesday, March 14, 2012, at his home surrounded by family. Laron Eugene Prehn was born September 24, 1947, at Watertown, South Dakota, to Clinton and Hazel (Bjerke) Prehn. Ron grew up on a farm by Clear Lake and graduated from high school in 1965. In 1970, Ron graduated from Northern State University in Aberdeen, South Dakota. He worked as a smoke jumper in Montana for three summers while in college. In 1971, Ron married Judy Welke. Ron’s pride and joy were their children, Matthew and Alissa. Ron began his banking career in 1971 at Brooklyn Center State Bank in Brooklyn Center, Minnesota. After different banking positions, Ron was named president of Norwest Bank in Mobridge, South Dakota, in 1984. While in Mobridge, Ron was a member of the Rodeo Assoc., the Rotary Club, Kiwanis and The Chamber of Commerce. In 1991, Ron transferred to Norwest Bank as senior vice president in Aberdeen, South Dakota. In 1993, he was promoted to bank president. Ron was president of Northern State University’s Foundation; president of the Industrial Development Assoc.; as well as a member of numerous other civic organizations. In 1998, Ron moved to Fergus Falls, Minnesota, where he was president of Wells Fargo Bank. He was responsible for several other area banks. Ron retired in 2002. In 2005, he began his “dream job” mowing the fairways at Village Green Golf Course in Moorhead, Minnesota. Also, in 2005, Ron married Christine Rundle. In 2007, they began wintering in Surprise, Arizona, where they made many special friends. Together, Ron and Chris enjoyed golf, riding their Harley Davidson motorcycle and being with family and friends. Ron enjoyed all sports, especially coaching and watching his children in basketball. He is survived by his wife, Christine, Moorhead, MN; children, Matthew (Andrea) Prehn, Aberdeen, SD; daughter, Alissa Prehn, Minneapolis, MN; stepchildren, Sean Swart, Cape Coral, FL; Alana (Eric) Gardner, Fargo, ND; seven grandchildren, Maxwell, Anderson, Dontae, Kyra, Summer, Braden, and Wyatt. Ron loved his extended family as if they were his own. He is also survived by two sisters, Barbara (Ray) LeCuyer, Andover, MN; and Diane (Steve) Almos, Brookings, SD; many nieces, nephews, cousins, special aunts and uncles, including LaVonne Johnson and Dick and Donna Bjerke; brother-in-law, Brand (Mary) Windmiller; sisters-in-law, Candace Gentry and Gail Hull. Ron was preceded in death by his parents, Clinton and Hazel Prehn. Memorials are preferred to the American Cancer Society. Memorial Service: Tuesday, March 20, 2012, at 2:00 PM, at Hope Lutheran Church ~ South Campus, Fargo, ND.