Ronald D. Shepherd, age 79, of Grand Rapids, MN passed away Thursday, September 11, 2025, at his home surrounded by family.

Ronald was born in 1945 to Delbert and Faye Shepherd in Litchfield, MN and grew up in Eden Valley, MN. He was a seven-year veteran of the United States Air Force and Vietnam War, having served in Thailand, Canada, and the United States. Ron was a photographer, a writer, and a rural mail carrier with the U.S. Postal Service, serving for several years as a carrier of record in the Sugar Hills and West Cohasset area. Ron was a life-long member of the Vietnam Veterans of America, the Disabled American Veterans, and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 12146 in Ban Chang U-Tapao, Thailand.

Ron is preceded in death by his parents and sister, Helen D. Barrett.

He is survived by the love of his life and very best friend, Janie Shepherd; special friend, Nancy Holm; children, Faith Shepherd, Steven Shepherd, Ross (Deanne) Shepherd, Randolph Shepherd, James (Cindy) Shepherd, Joshua (Megan) Allen, Matthew (Joshua) Allen, Jonathan (Becca) Allen, Mari (Tom) Allen, and Julia Semler; and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

A graveside service and military honors will be held at the Minnesota State Veteran's Cemetery – Duluth, 4777 Hwy 53, Saginaw, MN 55779, date to be determined.

Arrangements are with Rowe Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Grand Rapids, MN. To sign the online guestbook or send condolences visit www.rowefuneralhomeandcrematory.com.