With heavy hearts and deep gratitude, we share that Ronald Dean Julson, age 81, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on January 6, 2026, in Bismarck, North Dakota.

A memorial service will be held at 12:30 PM on Monday, January 12, at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 106 Osage Ave, Bismarck. To view the service livestream please click on the link provided ~ Ronald Julson

Burial will be held at North Dakota veterans Cemetery.

Born on March 3, 1944, in Minot, North Dakota. He was raised on the family farm in Plaza, North Dakota and graduated from Plaza High School. He attended North Dakota State College of Science where he received an AAS Tech degree and was then drafted into the US Army. Ron married Gloria Buerkle on November 4, 1967. He made a career working for Reservation Telephone Cooperative in Parshall for 39 years before retiring in 2002 and moving to Bismarck in 2003 to be closer to his grandchildren.

Ron proudly served his country in the United States Army from 1967 to 1971. During his service, he was stationed at Fort Wainwright in Alaska. His time in the military reflected the same steadfastness and quiet strength that would come to define him throughout his life.

Ron lived a life defined by love for his family, strong faith, and a genuinely great personality.

He was the best husband, father, father-in-law, and grandpa—steadfast, patient, and always there when it mattered most. Ron had a gift for making people laugh and putting everyone at ease. He made people feel comfortable, welcome, and valued every moment they were around him. His warm smile, good humor, and easygoing nature left a lasting impression on everyone he met.

Ron found joy in simple pleasures. He loved attending his grandchildren’s sporting events and activities—always present with pride shining in his eyes. Whether cheering from the sidelines or offering words of encouragement afterward, he cherished every moment spent supporting them. He also enjoyed working on just about anything in his garage—a space where creativity met craftsmanship—and found relaxation in reading Louis L’Amour western novels that transported him to rugged frontiers. Ron was full of teaching moments as he proudly taught all 3 of his grandchildren how to drive, ending each session with a lighthearted statement of “Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do”. There wasn’t a day Ron wasn’t asking to take the grandchildren to Cracker Barrel. It was time for the kids to catch up with grandpa and pick-on one another before a busy week.

While our hearts ache with his passing, we are incredibly thankful for the years we shared with him and for the legacy of love, faith, and laughter he leaves behind. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered. May his memory bring comfort to those who knew him.

Ron is survived by his beloved wife, Gloria Julson; his son Shannon (Lynette) Julson; grandchildren Jocelyn, Jack, and Ty Julson; sister Joyce Harmel; sister-in-law Kandy Julson; sister-in-law Loni (Mike) Steele; and numerous nieces and nephews. Each of them carries forward memories of Ron’s unwavering love and support.

He was preceded in death by his parents Aubrey and Leona Julson; father-in-law, Fritz Buerkle; mother-in-law, Evelyn Buerkle; brothers Keith Julson and Curt Julson; and sister Lavonne Hodgson; brothers-in-law, Richard (Dick) Harmel, Bob Hodgson; sisters-in-law, Rose Julson, Brenda Fox, Arlene Pitzer.