Ron lived his entire life in the Easton area, graduating from Washington Union High School. He married Marie Fritz on May 7th, 1960. After a brief period of driving gas truck to pay the bills as young marrieds, he began his life long career as a farmer, a life he loved and career he excelled at. Ron and Marie enjoyed a long and fruitful life as they worked hard side by side, raised Patty and Mark, and enjoyed the life they built together.
Ronald is survived by his loving & devoted wife of 60 years, Marie; his brother, Tom & wife, Marge; children, Patty Rasmussen & Russell, Mark Salwasser & Victoria; grandchildren, Katie Dwyer & J.R., Kyle Rasmussen, Drake Salwasser & Alejandra, Shane Salwasser, and Audra Salwasser; great grandchildren, Olivia and Kennedy Dwyer.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Conrad & Marie Salwasser and his older brother Harry Salwasser.
Ron found such joy in his family; his grandchildren and great-granddaughters were his pride and joy! He lived for weekends spent racing. In the early years spectating with friends at Kearney Bowl and Clovis Speedway, then in the 70’s and 80’s at Lemoore Jet Bowl and in the 80’s & 90’s at various tracks such at Ascot Park, Kings Speedway, Madera Speedway and many others. They continued their racing ways into the 2000’s attending racing events on the regular locally as recently as the last race, pre-COVID19, at Kings Speedway. He and Marie also made several trips to Indianapolis with friends and family, making lasting memories and friendships along the way. Ron made traveling in the RV a priority in his retirement; destinations of Morro Bay and Las Vegas were perennial favorites.
As it was, Ron seemed to have a knack for being an unintentional mentor to the younger generation of farmers who moved into the old Perrin Colony area. Often one of his neighbors would pull into the drive behind the house to gain a little insight, get his opinion on vineyard practices, review the weather report or just to shoot the breeze and catch up on the goings-on in the community. He was never too busy and seldom would he turn down a friendly conversation.
He will be missed beyond measure and remembered always with love by his family and friends, now and forever.
In celebration of Ronald’s life, a memorial service will be held on Monday, June 29, 2020 at 11:30 a.m. at Clovis Missionary Baptist Church, 854 N. Fowler Avenue, Clovis, CA. Please consider all pandemic safety precautions as you plan to join us in these unprecedented times.
For those of you who are not comfortable attending in person, join us via the online live stream provided by Stephens and Bean. Please call 559-268-9292 for the event password.
Please use the following link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89392604948?pwd=WkZ2QW43MjE2UDV3ME11RHUzT1NTUT09
Remembrances may be made to Immanuel Lutheran Church, 5955 S. Elm Avenue, Fresno, CA 93706 or to the charity of your choice.
2 Timothy 4:7-8
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race,
and I have remained faithful.
And now the prize awaits me –
the crown of righteousness that the Lord, the righteous Judge,
will give me on that great day of his return.
And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward
to his glorious return.
