Ronald Dean Bredeken

Ronald "Ron" Dean Bredeken, age 91, of Elk River, MN passed away on Monday, June 16, 2025. He was born on March 13, 1934 in the Starbuck Hospital, Starbuck MN to Harry and Hannah Bredeken.

Ron grew up on a farm in Starbuck, MN.  He attended a tiny one room school house until eighth grade; then in ninth grade, he started attending Benson High School where he participated in football and choir.  Ron graduated from Benson High School in 1952.  After graduation, he attended Augsburg College.  On July 11, 1959, he married Dorothy May Richardson at the Calvary Free Church in Walker, MN. In 1960, Ron completed a drafting course at Chicago Vocational School in Minneapolis, accepting a position with Rural Co-op Power (later called United Power Association), as a draftsman, and later being called a Design Technician.  He continued working at United Power Association (UPA) until he retired in 1998, but he continued on a part-time basis for 10 years.  The company is now known as Great River Energy.

Ron's life was guided by a strong faith in God.  He could be found each morning throughout his life reading his bible and daily devotions.  Ron and Dorothy are long time members of Coon Rapids Evangelical Free Church.  They have always been involved in the music of the church, on the Praise & Worship team, singing in the choir; and in earlier years, singing in quartets or trios, or singing duets accompanied by Ron's guitar. 

He had many interests including golf, radio-controlled airplanes and cars; he was always interested in his kids' (and later grandkids) activities and could be found either coaching little league baseball, hockey, or girls' basketball, watching every game in the stands, and attending band concerts.

Ron was always a man of few words; but when he had a story to tell, he would share it at every opportunity given.  :) 

Ronald is preceded in death by his parents, and his two brothers (Kenneth Bredeken and Richard Bredeken).  He is survived by his wife, Dorothy; his three children:  Dean (Kelly) Bredeken of Blaine, MN; Dale (Deanna) Bredeken of Coon Rapids, MN; Donna Bredeken of MoundsView, MN; three grandchildren: Amanda, Andrea and Austin; and two great-grandchildren: Kira and Malia; and many other relatives and friends.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, June 27th, 2025 at Coon Rapids Evangelical Free Church (2650 128th Ave NW, Coon Rapids, MN  55448) at 11 a.m., with visitation beginning at 10 a.m. Lunch will be served following the service; and afterward, interment will take place at Bailey's Cemetery in Big Lake Township.

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