Ronald Franklyn Bartholomay, known to most as Ron or "RB," peacefully passed away on May 17, 2026, at the age of 83, at Bethany on University and Ethos Hospice after a long journey with dementia.

Ron was born on July 25, 1942, in Glendale, California, to Jean and Roger Bartholomay. He spent his life doing exactly what he loved most: making friends everywhere he went, working hard, laughing loudly, and making sure everyone around him was having a good time.

On April 29, 1966, Ron married Loretta Jean Skjonsby, and together they raised their daughters, Megan Jane and Bethany Joan, making Fargo their home. In later years, Ron shared many memories with his longtime companion, Ginny Klein.

If it had a motor, a throttle, or a chance to create a story, Ron was all in. In his early life, he was a motorcycle racing enthusiast before becoming a lifelong snowmobile fanatic. He made countless memories on snowmobile trips with close friends and never passed up a chance to hit the trails - always and only on the back of a Polaris.

Summer meant the lake: boating, fishing for walleye (and only walleye, according to Ron), golfing, waterskiing, tubing, and gathering the people he loved most. He was happiest when everyone else was smiling, laughing, eating well, and maybe holding a cold Miller Lite.

Ron was a natural entertainer and connector. He loved music, dancing, telling stories (and jokes), grilling for a crowd, and cooking big Italian meals. He never met a stranger for long, and his quick wit, big personality, and generous spirit made people feel instantly at ease.

He built a successful career selling heavy equipment machinery, but his real talent was people. Whether talking with lifelong friends or someone he'd just met, Ron had a way of making everyone feel important. He adored children, animals, and just about anyone willing to share a smile, laugh, or a cup of coffee.

Ron is survived by his daughters, Megan (Mike) Bartholomay-Berreth of Fargo, ND, and Bethany Bartholomay of Fargo, ND; grandson Aavery Garrett of West Fargo, ND; step-grandsons Dylan Berreth of Denton, TX, and Dayton Berreth of Moorhead, MN; granddaughter Maxwell of Fargo, ND; great-granddaughter Emina of West Fargo, ND; brother Rick (Lee) Bartholomay of Horace, ND; sister Claudia Mueller of Davenport, ND; along with many extended family members, lifelong friends, fishing buddies, snowmobile companions, and countless people lucky enough to know "RB."

He was preceded in death by his parents, Jean and Roger; his grandparents; many aunts and uncles; and far too many treasured friends.

Ron's family will forever cherish the laughter, stories, music, meals, adventures, and love he brought into their lives. A special thank you to the wonderful nurses and caregivers on the memory care unit at Bethany on University, as well as Ethos Hospice. The compassion, patience, and kindness they showed Ron in his final months was a true gift to both him and our family.

Funeral services will be held Friday, May 22, at 3:00 p.m. at Hanson-Runsvold Funeral Home with visitation one hour prior.
Burial: Sunset Memorial Gardens, Fargo, ND
Arrangements entrusted to Hanson-Runsvold Funeral Home - Fargo, ND