Ronald Lee Knaust, 65, of Fargo, ND (formerly of Lidgerwood, ND) passed away following a courageous battle with ALS, surrounded by his family, on April 21, 2026, at Sanford Broadway Medical Center in Fargo.

Ron was born on August 16, 1960, in Hankinson, ND, to Robert and Gertrude (Gaukler) Knaust. He was the middle child of seven children. He attended first grade at St. Boniface Catholic School in Lidgerwood. Upon its closing, he attended Lidgerwood Public School where he graduated in 1978. Ron attended North Dakota State University for one year, then returned home and began his career with Farmers Co-op Elevator in Lidgerwood.

He started working as a driveway attendant. After three years, he became the manager of one elevator. Over time, that turned into him overseeing the operations of the three elevators that made up the Farmers Co-op Elevator, two in Lidgerwood and one in Geneseo.

On June 27, 1987, he was united in marriage to the love of his life, Laurie (Haarsager) Knaust. They made their home in Lidgerwood where they raised their two children, Bryce and Bria. They lived in Lidgerwood until Ron's retirement from the elevator in 2018, at which time they moved to Fargo.

Ron loved life and lived it to the fullest. He was always up for an adventure and loved to see the world, whether it was on his many vacations with Laurie, hunting and fishing trips with his friends, or traveling for various sporting events. Ron was a devoted fan of all Minnesota sports teams, especially the Minnesota Vikings, as well as the Boston Red Sox and North Carolina Tar Heels.

He had a love for the outdoors. In the summertime, he enjoyed spending time on the golf course, working in the garden, or planning his next big fireworks show for the Fourth of July.

Above all, Ron cherished his family. His wife and children were his world, and he found great joy in becoming a grandfather. He was always ready to roll around on the ground with his grandkids or do whatever he could to put a smile on their faces.

Ron is survived by his wife of nearly 39 years, Laurie; children and grandchildren, Bryce (Cydney) Knaust and Asher and Evelyn, Bria (Beau) Buehler and Brittin, Brooks, and Beckett; siblings Randy Knaust (Sue Zummach), Robert Knaust, Rick Knaust (Linda Widner), Renee (Keith) Ringdahl, Rhonda (Doug) Zahradka; mother-in-law, Carol Haarsager; brother-in-law, Drue (Deb) Haarsager; and numerous nieces and nephews, aunts and uncles.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Gertrude Knaust; his brother, Rory Knaust; grandparents, Andrew and Wilhelmina Gaukler and Ludwig and Ida Knaust; father-in-law, Dale Haarsager; and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Ron was admired and loved by many. He had a gift for striking up a conversation and making a friend wherever he went. Ron will be forever remembered for his warmth, sense of adventure, generosity, and love for his family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the ALS Association.