Ronald Holthusen, of Fourtown, MN, passed away peacefully at the family farm on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, at the age of 83. Born on December 11, 1942, in Thief River Falls, MN, Ronald’s life was deeply rooted in the land and community that shaped him from his earliest days.

Ronald was the cherished son of Johnny Holthusen and Hazel Salveson Holthusen, both of whom preceded him in death. He grew up with a strong sense of family and responsibility, values imparted during his childhood in Thorholt, MN, where he attended country school. The rural upbringing and tight-knit community of Thorholt would come to define many aspects of his life.

From a young age, Ronald demonstrated hard work. He began working on the family farm early, taking on responsibilities far beyond his years. His work ethic was further honed through his contributions to Holthusen Construction and in logging. These formative jobs instilled in him a deep appreciation for hard work and a commitment to seeing tasks through with honesty and directness—qualities for which he was well known throughout his life.

In his mid-40s, Ronald took up caring for the family farm. He poured his heart into raising cattle, tending to them with an unmatched dedication and affection. To Ronald, the cattle were more than livestock; they were part of his extended family, and he treated them with the same care and attention as if they were his children. This devotion became one of his proudest accomplishments—raising cattle with such skill and compassion brought him great pride and fulfillment.

As a young man, he found freedom and joy in riding horses, embracing the exhilaration of snowmobiling, the thrill of motorcycles, and the excitement of fast cars. His talents extended beyond the fields: Ronald was gifted at drawing. He liked one on one converstions. Ronald really enjoyed taking things apart and putting them back together - in other words, he "Ronalized" it. 

Ronald’s character shone through in everything he did. His honesty and direct manner were constants.  Friends and family recall his straightforward approach, knowing they could always count on his word.

Ronald will be deeply missed by his surviving family: his sisters Lynette (Glen) Geving and Holly (Robert) Manderud; brothers John Holthusen and Kelly (Paulette) Holthusen; nieces Dawn Gagnon, Tamera (Jared) Ellingson, Christy (Tim) Quinn, Keri (Kevin) Sorter, Heather Oistad, Jodi (Rob) Burley, Cindy (Todd) Belmont, Nicole (Josh Olson) Ellefson; nephews Greg (Joyce) Geving, Dale (Stephany) Manderud, and Daylin Holthusen. He is also remembered by the memory of his parents and his niece, Carla Manderud, who have passed before him.

Ronald’s legacy is one of hard work, honesty, wit, and an unwavering love for his family and the farm that was his lifelong home.

A visitation will be held on Monday, August 24, 2026, from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at Johnson Funeral Service Thief River Falls, located at 420 La Bree Avenue North, Thief River Falls, MN. The funeral service will follow at 10:30 a.m. at the same location.

He will be remembered fondly by all who knew him and will continue to inspire those whose lives he touched.