Ronald James Fretland

Ronald James Fretland went to rejoice with Jesus on December 12, 2016, after a long and courageous battle with rheumatoid arthritis. Ronald was born in El Cerrito, California on June 17th, 1952 to Kay and Esther Fretland.

Growing up, Ron had three sisters and two brothers. He was a child who always brought laughter and adventure with him which he carried on through the entirety of his life. He attended El Cerrito High School where he played football with such skill it was impossible not to recognize his talent and ability. Following high school his love for adventure and the ocean led him to land in Santa Cruz, CA where he attended the University of California and also indulged in his fondness for the sand and sea.

While working in retail for The Good Guys, Ron met his wife of 26 years, Laura. She went into Ron’s place of business to buy a television and walked away with his heart. They were married 18 months later on October 5th, 1990 in Carmel, California. Their lives continued together in Rocklin, California for 3 years until their love for the Rockies pulled them halfway across the country to Colorado in the early 90’s. After a short stay in Loveland they settled into Fort Collins where they built a beautiful life and family together. In 1995, after the tragic loss of Ron’s sister, Ron and Laura lovingly opened their arms and hearts to her children, Cory and Marissa. From that moment on, these two children were knitted into his heart in a new and special way as his own children. The patience and unconditional love he gave wholeheartedly to his children was as big as the ocean.

In 1993 Ron began his career in mortgage banking. In the summer of 2002, Ron and a small group of Loan Officers founded 1st City Mortgage Group under the Megastar Financial Group. His commitment to his clients and his passion for his job helped him continually succeed through all the ups and downs of the real estate market. His love and aptitude of lending was demonstrated through the countless awards and acknowledgements he has received over the years. Ron especially loved working with first-time home buyers and watching the joy on their faces as the keys to their first home were handed to them.

Awaiting Ronald’s arrival in heaven was his father Kay and mother Esther, his two sisters Gayle and Theresa and his mother-in-law Norma. Ronald is survived by his wife Laura, son Cory Fretland and his wife Katie of Roseville, CA; his daughter Marissa Bruce and husband Vince of Tekamah, NE; and seven wonderful grandchildren: Olivia, Julia, Logan, Ryan, Bradley, Josephine, and Isla; His sister Marilyn and husband David; brothers Kenneth and Eric; his father-in-law Frank Jones of Ft Collins; sister-in-law Jan; brothers-in-law Bob and wife Marlyn; Jeff and wife Mary and Jim and wife Irene. He also had many nieces and nephews.

Ron Fretland was an amazing man. He epitomized generosity, humility, and kindness to everyone he encountered. He had a gentle nature while having a big zest for life. Above all he loves God and his family. Ron’s most cherished moments were those times spent exploring the world with his family. Ron Fretland lived a wonderful, self sacrificing, and compassionate life. He will be forever loved and missed.

A memorial service will be held at Timberline Church, 2908 S Timberline Rd, Fort Collins, CO 80525, on Saturday December 17th at 10:30am with a reception to follow. We ask that any donations be made to the Arthritis Foundation (Arthritis.org) in Ron’s honor.