Published 9:15 am Friday, October 3, 2025
Ronald (Ron) Carothers, 86, of Owatonna, MN, died on September 30, 2025, at Birchwood Cottages in Owatonna, surrounded by his family. He was born in Garner, IA, on September 6,1939, to Charles and Adeline Carothers. At a young age, his family moved to Austin, MN. Ron graduated from Austin High School where he was a four-sport athlete, notably in basketball, earning a place on the first ever WCCO All-State basketball team in 1957. He received a basketball scholarship to South Dakota State where he also played tennis and golf. After graduating, he taught and coached in Williamsburg, Iowa, later meeting Carol Beebe, who he married on August 12,1967. In 1971, Ron and his family relocated to Minnesota, eventually moving to Owatonna, where they raised their family and resided for over 50 years. Ron began his career in sales with Road Machinery and Supplies (RMS), retiring after 40 years of selling heavy construction equipment. A devoted family man, Ron was known for his Santa Claus-esque belly laughs, sarcastic one-liners, and clever shenanigans. He anticipated the daily banter with his friends at breakfast over news headlines. His deep faith ensured the family never missed the 8:15 church service, sitting in the same pew at Trinity Lutheran Church for 50 years, where he ushered and served on numerous committees as an active member. An avid sportsman, Ron relished duck hunting with his son and friends at Lake Geneva Point Club. Anything dealing with the outdoors, especially golf and fishing, brought joy to Ron. He was equally passionate about spectator sports, eagerly following the NCAA March Madness tournament and following his children’s and grandchildren’s activities. He had a remarkable ability to see the good in everyone he met. Ron is survived by his wife, of 58 years, Carol; his children Barb (Jack) Schwab, Dave (Sarah) Carothers, and Lynne Carothers; five grandchildren: Derek (Andrea) Schwab, Michael Schwab, Kalley (Jake) Katzung, Joe Carothers, and Allisen Carothers; and great-grandchildren Vincent and Nora. He is also survived by his brother Jim (Linda) Carothers. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Judy Peters. Visitation will be held Sunday, October 5, 2025, from 2:00-5:00 PM at Brick-Meger Funeral Home (1603 Austin Rd, Owatonna) and one hour prior to the funeral at the church. Funeral service will take place on Monday, October 6, 2025, at 11:00 AM at Trinity Lutheran Church (609 Lincoln Ave, Owatonna). In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Trinity Lutheran Church, Austin Athletic Hall of Fame, or Young Life of Owatonna. For more information or to leave an online message of condolence, go to www.megercares.com
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