Ron Graves, of Pine City, Minnesota, formerly of St. Croix Falls, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully at home on Feb. 9, 2026, at the age of 76.
Ron was born on May 10, 1949, in Little Fork, Minnesota, to Arnold and Dorothy Graves and lived in International Falls, Minnesota, until his family moved to the Twin Cities area.
An entrepreneur at heart, one of Ron’s many passions was discovering different business opportunities in life. From starting his own general contractor business in the Maple Grove area, to businesses in Cross Lake, Minnesota, to manufacturing log furniture, to buying and redeveloping resort properties and organizing craft shows and flea markets in the St. Croix River Valley area, Ron saw adventure and potential everywhere he looked. Even in retirement, Ron found ways to keep busy and was always in search of a new project.
Ron was an avid traveler, whether by RV, boat, car, or plane. It wasn’t unusual for him to wake up on the weekend and plan a spontaneous drive up north or just to take a drive around a nearby lake. He was happiest on the water and in the sun, and was always drawn back to the warm beaches of Florida.
Ever the jokester, Ron often had a silly story or joke to make you laugh. He always had words of wisdom, whether you wanted to hear them or not. Over the years, his loved ones came to know his many phrases and “Ron-isms” well. He was quick-witted, humorous, and above all, thoughtful of others. No matter the situation, he always found and held onto a silver lining.
Ron was preceded in death by his parents, Arnold and Dorothy Graves. He is remembered and loved by his wife, Shari Ripley; son, Nick (Wendy) Graves; step-children, Corey Kes and Ashley Kes; grandchildren, Joey, Jackie, Julia, and Oliver; brother, Marvin (Sue) Graves; sister, Diane (Roger) Christensen; and many special nieces, nephews, and friends.
For those who knew Ron, winter was not his favorite time of year. It is only fitting that we wait and hold his Celebration of Life in the early summer, when the days are long, the snow is gone, and boating season is here—his favorite thing to do. Location and date for his celebration will be posted at a later time. Ron will be missed by so many people whose lives he touched.
