Ronald W. Fandrick, formerly from Underwood, North Dakota, passed away on September 22, 2023, in New Port Richey, Florida, after struggling with cancer for many years. He was born on June 2, 1940 in Underwood.
In 1958 he joined the U.S. Air Force and served as a Russian Language Translator for 3 years in Bremerhaven, Germany. After college, in Rochester, Minnesota he worked for the Federal Aviation Administration and became an Air Traffic Controller/Supervisor for 25 years at Chicago, Minneapolis, and Oakland, California. He also earned a commercial pilot’s license.
In Illinois, he was a member of the St. Charles Rotary Club, served on the St. Charles Library Board, and was active in Toastmasters International. He was elected Illinois #54 Toastmaster District Governor in 1975.
In Los Angeles, he served on the Federal Aviation Administration Credit Union Board of Directors.
When he retired from the Federal Aviation Administration he worked in Silicon Valley, California and learned to create and update websites.
He enjoyed playing piano, golf, backgammon and cribbage, reading and traveling.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Karen of 38 years; daughter: Sherri Werth- Minnesota; sons: John and Dan Fandrick- Minnesota; 6 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren; two sisters in North Dakota: Lorna Neary of Washburn, and Diana Gudmestad of Jamestown, and several nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to Metropolitan Ministries; 2002 N. Florida Ave., Tampa, Florida 33602 (www.metromin.org)
A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, October 12, 2023 at 1:00 PM at Veterans Funeral Care located at
830 N. Belcher Rd. Clearwater, Florida 33765. A private interment will take place on October 13, 2023 at Florida National Cemetery, 6502 SW 102nd Ave., Bushnell, Florida 33513.
Our deepest sympathies and belated thanks. Ron did it right – was of great service, and a pleasure to be with.
We (anyone and everyone associated with the 6913th) owes you and Ron tremendous respect snd thanks.
Joe & Anne
I remember Ron as a good man for sure. It’s tough to lose a loved one. May God Bless you and you family.
Jerry Kalita
I got to know Ron through his FAA obts updates, but more from his weekly spiritual messages. The writing’s truly show depth of his Christan LIFE PEACE
Ron was always very supportive to me and we shared this close friendship for many years – how blessed were we who got to know Ron. May he rest in peace. Amen.
My deepest sympathies! May he rest in eternal comfort and peace.
Astride
My sincere condolences to my friend Karen and her family. I’m so sorry the two of you had to go through this difficult time. When we say our wedding vows, we are made aware that someday, this day may come, but we are never ready. May God give you more strength than you thought possible to get you through these trying times. My love and friendship are with you.
OMG, John and family. I was shocked when I just found out about Ron’s death. My deepest sympathies and condolences to you and the rest of the Fandrick family at your loss. May he rest in peace.
All the Best,
Mike Obler
A few lovely memories of Dad: As a child I remember him taking us to the library, car shows and swimming at Pheasant Run Resort in St. Charles, IL. We both enjoyed playing the piano. I remember when he taught us to play chess, cribbage and backgammon. Cribbage is the last game we played together. After going to Sunday service at church, he would always take us to Dunkin’ Donuts. We had numerous family car trips. The longest was in 1974 from MN to CA and back! I remember attending Dad and Karen’s beautiful church wedding. As I grew older, I liked my food, soup or coffee, extra hot like he did. Other travel adventures included when Alyssa, my daughter, and I were on vacation in Cannon Beach, OR, and he joined us. He did it again, when Alyssa and I were vacationing in Las Vegas. Both times I knew he was coming, but it was such a fun surprise for Alyssa. Dad and I liked going to book stores, and he’d often mail me my favorite author’s current novel. I’ll miss our e-mails about how each of our sports teams were doing and hearing about the great places he and Karen traveled to, or where they dined at. As Karen said, “He’s with Jesus now.”
So sorry I missed your passing Ron. Hope you’ll have eternal rest. We’ll continue our chess games later on! Capt Everett