Ronald Edward Banister was born November 14, 1932 in Hoff Township, Pope County, Minnesota, the son of Harry Herlas and Julia F. (Gunderson) Banister. He was confirmed at West Zion Lutheran Church. He attended grade school at District #57 in Hoff Township, Pope County, and graduated from Hancock High School, Hancock, Minnesota, with the Class of 1950. On May 13, 1955, Ronald was united in marriage to Devon Maanum at East & West Zion Lutheran Parsonage by Rev. L.C. Anderson. They were blessed with four children and 55 years of marriage. Ronald worked at Jacobson-Peterson Implement for 23 1/2 years. He also worked for the Feed Mill, Dokken Machine, Lorenz, Tyler, and Agralite all in Benson, a sign company in Minneapolis, and an implement dealer in Olivia, MN. He was a member of the Putts and Purrs Antique Tractor Club in Benson, the Pilgrim Congregational United Church of Christ and served as an usher there. He presently delivered Meals on Wheels with his brother Duane. He enjoyed being a former 4-H leader. Among the things he enjoyed were hunting, playing cards, playing guitar, traveling, riding horse, baling hay and was presently farming. Ronald was called from this life on Sunday, March 6, 2011 at the Swift County Benson Hospital. He attained the age of 78 years, 3 months and 22 days. Ronald is survived by his wife Devon of Starbuck; his children: Craig Banister of Denver, CO, Mark (Karla) Banister of Starbuck, Brian (Kimberly Sue) Banister of Starbuck, and Kimberly Banister of Starbuck; six grandchildren: Zachary, Aaron, Alexis, Kallista, and Presten Banister, and Chanc Nack; his brother, Duane Banister of Benson; nieces and nephews; and other relatives and friends. Preceding him in death were his parents Harry Herlas and Julia F. Banister; his sister Florence and her husband William Cornell and a nephew, David Cornell.
