Age 91, of Falcon Heights Passed on March 8, 2017. Preceded in death by beloved wife Loretta Jane in 2015. Survived by son Steven Ring (Molly Redmond), daughter Sue Ring-Jarvi (Roland), grandsons Ross Ring-Jarvi and Mike Ring (Flannery Clark), brother James (Maren) and sister Hazel Voss. John was born and raised in Faribault with 10 brothers and sisters. He went into the army directly after high school graduation, and was deployed to Belgium, where he was seriously wounded in the Battle of the Bulge. His long recovery took him to England, then a hospital in Iowa. There he met his match—the lovely young nurse, Loretta Jane Yourd. John went to college on the GI Bill to become a science teacher, graduating from Macalester College in 1951. His was a life full of joy, friends, and outreach. Some highlights: High school science teacher for 38 years (mostly in St. Paul), sponsored women's hockey teams, made incredible cinnamon rolls. Coordinated Odyssey of the Mind/ Destination Imagination for 30+ years. Led his Scout troop in making fiberglass canoes (don't try to lift one!). Quietly helped many kids go to college. Active in professional associations. Got a PhD, crazy about mountains, was a great bridge player. Built two lake cottages. Believed in giving back to the community. Traveled to China, Australia, and Alaska. Loved family gatherings, especially with pie. Could fix or build darn near anything—ie, that dubious cement mixer from a trashcan and a washing machine motor. Was a great neighbor. Johnny Cash fan. Impossible to go out to dinner with him in St. Paul area without former students coming up to greet "Doc Ring!" Loved Macalester College, taught there a year or so, and was a persistently active alumnus. We celebrate him, and the way he lived his life! A memorial service, followed by a reception, will be held at the Macalester College Weyerhauser Chapel at 1:30 PM on March 26. Memorials should go to Macalester College.
Published in Pioneer Press on Mar. 19, 2017
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