Ronald Baukol Obituary

Ronald Baukol
Born: August 11, 1937
Died: January 1, 2024
August 11, 1937 - January 1, 2024 Ron passed away peacefully on New Year's Day surrounded by his loving wife, Gay; his sons David and Andy, their wives, Suzy and Ursula; and David's children, Evan and Zoey; Katy, his daughter, was in Minnesota with her children, Jacob and Heather, but was able to speak with him that morning before he passed. Ron is also survived by his sister, Elizabeth "Betts" Field and her husband Al; and his brother-in-law, Van Gollan and his wife Linda; as well as his many nieces and nephews and their children. Ron was someone you wanted to know, loved and respected by many. He was smart, athletic, funny and a leader in all he did. Ron was the son of Peter and Clara Baukol and grew up in Downers Grove, Illinois with his two sisters Pat and Betts. He went to Iowa State University on a basketball scholarship and studied chemical engineering. Ron played basketball and baseball and still managed to get straight A's. After losing jump balls to Wilt Chamberlain, he decided to forgo an NBA career and went on to get his Master's degree at MIT. He married his high school sweetheart, Gay, and they had 3 wonderful children, David, Andy and Katy. They celebrated 64 years together. Ron began his professional career at Procter & Gamble in Cincinnati but moved to the 3M Company after a few years. He had the honor of being selected to become a White House Fellow in 1970, where he worked in the White House Communications office, and he also worked at the Environmental Protection Agency. He rejected an offer to work for the Committee to Re-Elect the President, since he did not want to be a CREEP. From Washington DC, he and the family returned to 3M in Minnesota, where Ron worked in Healthcare and Pharmaceuticals. Ron was the Managing Director of 3M United Kingdom from 1986-1989 and spent the rest of his career in 3M International business, becoming the Vice President of International where he was also on the 3M Board of Directors. Ron also served on the Boards of Toro and Graco. He was active at times in supporting Republican politics and the Methodist Church, as well as a variety of charitable organizations, including the Red Cross and the Children's Hospital. Ron was honored to have the awards of Outstanding Alumni of Downer's Grove and Iowa State University. Ron was good at many things, but one of his greatest strengths was helping people find their potential. He understood people's strengths and always helped them use those strengths to maximize their talents. His sense of humor always made people laugh and put them at ease. He was a true friend to many and was always ready to lend a hand when needed. The last few years of his life he suffered from Parkinson's disease and related dementia. He will be remembered fondly by all who know him and will always have a place in the hearts of his close friends and family. He will be dearly missed. Should you desire, a contribution can be made to St. Paul Children's Hospital in lieu of flowers. Thank you.