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Ronald Joseph Ehleringer was born March 29, 1932, on the family farm near Currie, Minnesota to Bill and Agnus (LaPlante) Ehleringer. He grew up on the farm and attended Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic School in Currie. RJ joined the United States Air Force in 1952. He spent 2 years stationed at Scott Field Base near Belleville, IL and 2 years at Elmendorf Air Force Base in Anchorage, AK. After his military service he worked road construction and drove semi-truck. On May 4, 1957, he was united in marriage to Darlene Johnson. They had two sons. In 1959 he purchased his first semi-truck and owned and operated Ehleringer Trucking. On October 6, 1976, he was united in marriage to Marlyn Kuiper Schwarz. In 1978 he sold the trucking business, and they purchased a grocery store in Currie. Together they ran RJ’s Corner Store for 18 years. During this time RJ also drove tractor for local farmers during the spring and fall seasons. RJ passed away on Monday, March 10, 2025, at the Minnesota Veterans Home in Luverne, MN, at the age of 92. RJ was a lifetime member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Currie. He also was a member of the Currie American Legion Post, Currie Town and Country Boosters, and the Storden Saddle Club. He enjoyed lake life for years at their home on Lake Shetek. He also enjoyed horseback riding, camping, threshing shows, auctions, and most of all visiting with friends and people in general.
He is survived by his children: Kim Ehleringer of Jasper, MN, and Dan (Laura) Ehleringer of Morris, MN; two grandchildren: Courtney (Jordan) Staples, and Chelsey Ehleringer (fiancé Adam Latzig); two great-grandchildren: Aurora and Callahan Staples; Marlyn’s children: Gary (Judy) Schwarz of Colonial, NJ, Rick (Sue) Schwarz of Underwood, MN, Bryan Schwarz of San Pedro, CA, Lisa Schwarz of Fergus Falls, MN, Denise Schwarz of Houston, TX, Joel (Alicia) Schwarz of San Pedro, CA; numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren; one sister, Patty (Cleo) Metty of Mobile, AL, and one brother, Maurice Ehleringer of Le Sueur, MN. RJ is preceded in death by his parents, wife, Marlyn, and Marlyn’s sons, Larry Schwarz, Tom Schwarz and Jim Schwarz.
Memorial Services Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Currie, MN on Friday, March 28, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. with Fr. Peter Schuster officiating. The organist is Patty LeClaire. Interment is at Calvary Cemetery in Currie, MN. Military honors accorded by the Currie American Legion Post.
Visitation will be one hour prior to the services at the church on Friday. Totzke Funeral Home of Slayton is entrusted with arrangements. To send condolences visit totzkefuneralhome. com
