Ronald D. Cirksena

Ronald D. Cirksena, 82, formerly of Northfield, MN, passed away peacefully at his home in Sarasota, FL, on Monday, May 9, 2022.  Ron was born July 2, 1939, in Grundy Center, IA, to Ray and Jeannette Cirksena.   He spent his early years on the family farm near Dike, IA, graduating from Dike High School, and later earning his Master’s Degree in Education from the University of Northern Iowa.  He went on to enjoy a lifelong career devoted to the field of education, holding teaching positions in Spirit Lake, Iowa, Northfield, Minnesota, and an administrative position in Largo, Florida.  Thousands of students over the years in Northfield learned the acronym “Mr. C Irks Every Naughty Adolescent” to remember the spelling of his name.

If you knew Ron, or even crossed his path, you likely became instantly familiar with his kind smile and booming laughter that would fill any room.  He was the man who would go out of his way and cross the street to say hello to a stranger.  He was a kind, fun soul who quickly and easily found the good in every person he met.  Over the years Ron developed a passion for gardening, traveling, visiting with friends and strangers, and he loved to play bridge.

Ron is survived by his husband William Norton; daughters Tia Cirksena and Jane Cirksena, both of Sarasota, FL.; sons Ross Cirksena of Sarasota, FL., and R. Greg Cirksena of Faribault, MN.; grandchildren Alexandra Thompson and Elias Thompson of Sarasota, FL; former spouse Diane Cirksena of Pagosa Springs, CO; sister Donna Joslin of Dike, Iowa, and brother Larry Cirksena of Cedar Falls, IA.  He was preceded in death by his parents.

A private family service will be observed in Sarasota, FL, followed by a public memorial service and celebration of life to be held later this summer in Northfield, MN.  Memorial donations can be made to Health Finders in Northfield or FiftyNorth Senior Center in Northfield.