Ronald Lee Bartlett, 81, passed away too soon from heart failure on September 12,
2025, at home surrounded by his loving family. He lived his life fully—always ready for
his next adventure.
Born on September 15, 1943 to Lester and Victoria Bartlett, Ron grew up with his
brothers, Larry and Craig, in the Piedmont area of Duluth, MN.
Ron graduated from Denfeld High School in 1961. He went on to earn a Bachelor’s
Degree in Education in 1965 from the University of Minnesota – Duluth. He later went on
to earn his Master’s Degree in Education, and taught the fifth grade for Duluth Public
Schools for 35 years. He married the love of his life, Karen Hope Johnson, in 1965. In
their 54 years of marriage, they had three beautiful children, nine wonderful
grandchildren, and six perfect great grandchildren. He was an avid fisherman and
outdoorsman, UMD Men’s Hockey season ticket holder, race car driver and Proctor
Speedway fan.
Ron was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers, his loving wife, and numerous
in-laws and friends. He leaves behind his children and their families: René (Robert),
Grant (Payton), and Haley Montgomery; Tracy (Phil), Tim (Sarah), Logan, Aria, and TJ
(Michaela) Vallie, Kaiyo Asher, Amber, Mikayla, and Azlynne Treviranus; Ronda (Trent),
Gregory, and Mason Spiroff, Kaylea (Conner), Charlotte & Patrick Brown. He also
leaves behind numerous extended family members, lifelong friends, and his numerous
bonus children.
