- Date Of Birth: May 6, 1940
- Date Of Death: October 20, 2022
- State: Minnesota
Ronald (Mac) Gene McAtee passed away on October 20, 2022 at Essentia Hospital in Fargo, ND.
Ronald was born to Donald and Ovella McAtee on May 6, 1940 in Canyon, Texas. Ronald was the youngest of six children. After his parents divorced, his siblings were scattered among relatives leaving he and one sister to be raised together.
After his education in Fort Worth, Texas, he joined the USAF in 1957. During this time he was stationed at Osan AFB in Korea, Grand Forks AFB and Malmstrom AFB in Great Falls. MT.
Ronald met the love of his life, Jeanette, while stationed in Grand Forks, ND. The couple married on November 27, 1959. Immediately after that they were stationed at Malmstrom AFB.
After the military, Ronald and Jeanette lived in Fort Worth for 2 years. They came back to ND and lived in Grafton for over 38 years. There they raised three daughters. On May 24, 1975 Ronald became a Child of God through baptism and confirmation at Zion English Lutheran Church. He served as usher at ZELC for several years.
While in Grafton he was a mechanic for LaBerge and Stenso and operated the Mobil Oil service station for a period of time. Ron also worked at Home of Economy for many years and as a Corrections Officer for the Walsh County Sheriff’s Department.
Ronald’s passion was fishing the Lake of the Woods. At every opportunity he would go to the N.W. Angle, MN to spend time in the great outdoors with family and friends.
In 2000 Ronald convinced his wife, Jeanette, to move to Angle Inlet. As a service to the small community they established the J & M General Store. He sold golf cars, repaired MinnKota trolling motors, and found his creative side by building rugged furniture, wood turning and crafts. His favorite phrase was “it’s been a pleasure doing business with you”. He truly loved the “Angle”.
Ronald survived Hepatitis C and many heart procedures and surgeries the last 20 years. As his family we have been blessed to have had this man in our lives for so many years.
Ronald is survived by his wife of almost 63 years. His daughters–Cheryl McAtee Thornton (Mike), Linda Carlson (Eric), Alisa Barto (Randy), six grandchildren, five great grandchildren and one sister. He loved his family and friends.
“Keep it Clean” c/o “LOW Soil & Water Conservation District”, 119 1st Ave. N.W., P.O. Box 217, Baudette,MN 56623
