Ron D'Orazio

About Ron

Ronald D’Orazio, 82, of Bemidji, MN died Wednesday, December 8, 2021 at Havenwood Care Center in Bemidji, MN.

Ron was born August 10, 1939 in Marshalltown, Iowa, the son of Arthur and Helen (Reavis) D’Orazio. He was raised and educated in Marshalltown, IA; graduated high school and community college there.

He married Barbara Johnson on August 20, 1961 in Marshalltown. They moved to Bemidji to help Barb’s parents run their resort. They both graduated from BSU while helping them out. They moved to Grand Forks where he got his PhD from UND in biochemistry. They moved back to Bemidji where he taught chemistry at BSU. After a few years the family moved to Ankeny, IA where he taught at the Osteopathic College in Des Moines. Four years later they moved to Iowa Falls where he taught chemistry at Ellsworth Community College, retiring after over 20 years.

In 1984 he and Barb purchased the Dairy Queen in Iowa Falls, running it while working full time as a teacher for 9 years. In 2002, he and Barb moved to Bemidji where they built their retirement house on Lake Andrusia.

He loved collecting model trains and belonged to a local club and one in Crosslake, MN. He even built some of the trains and buildings. He also loved pontoon rides, sailing and his beloved dog Isabella.

Ron is survived by his wife, Barbara D’Orazio, children, Rick (Valerie) D’Orazio and Melissa (Jeff) Schreifels, 6 grandchildren, and his dog, Isabella. Ron was preceded in death by his parents.

memorial service

A celebration of life will be held in the summer of 2022

Funeral/Cremation Provider: Cease Family Funeral Home