Marie Lavanne Ronning

Marie L. Ronning died under the care of hospice at her home in Appleton, Minnesota on Tuesday evening, December 30, 2025. The family will honor her memory with a graveside service at the Appleton City Cemetery in the spring of 2026. Zniewski Funeral Home Vaala Chapel of Appleton is assisting the family with the arrangements.

Marie Lavanne Ronning, a devoted wife, mother, sister, and friend, passed away on December 30, 2025, with her loving husband of 50 years, Ron, at her side, leaving behind a legacy of love, creativity, and quiet strength.

Born on January 2, 1947, at the Appleton Hospital, Marie was raised on a small family farm in Akron Township. Her character was shaped deeply by her parents Marlin and Myrtle Sullivan, whose unwavering commitment to family and hard work became guiding values throughout her life. She grew up milking cows, caring for horses, and baling hay – chores she embraced with the same dedication she later brought to every chapter of her life. Marie’s deep resilience shone brightest the night she gave birth to her son Patrick, continuing to tend the cows even as labor began.

Marie began her education in a small one-room schoolhouse near her family’s farm, later attending school in Correll, Minnesota, through the eighth grade before graduating from Appleton High School in 1965 – an accomplishment she carried with pride.

Early in their marriage, Marie and Ron lived in Biloxi, Mississippi, while Ron served in the Navy. Their time there brought adventure and challenge, including weathering a hurricane together. During their time in Mississippi, they also welcomed the birth of their second child, Michael. When they moved back to Minnesota, Marie and Ron spent a short time in Appleton before moving to Litchfield in 1979, where they spent many years building their life together. In 1993, following Ron’s retirement from the military, they returned once more to Appleton to settle down. Marie loved her yard, the peace and quiet of small-town life, and the feeling of being truly home again.

Marie held a lifelong passion for gardening, reading, and artistic expression. An avid reader, Marie always had a book nearby and delighted in discovering new stories. Whether mixing colors for a craft project or tending flowers in her yard, she created beauty wherever she went. Her affection extended to animals, especially her beloved cats and the horses that first captured her heart as a child. Marie especially treasured spending time with her beloved sister Debbie – sitting together over coffee, chatting, laughing, and sharing the comforting bond only sisters truly understand.

Marie applied her creativity at the Litchfield Independent Review, designing and crafting advertisements with care and originality. She brought deep compassion to her work as a Health Aid in a retirement home, offering comfort, dignity, and kindness to the residents she served. Following those jobs, she worked at the Appleton Hospital, where her steady presence and caring nature were deeply appreciated by colleagues and patients alike.

Marie held close, loving relationships with her two sons, Patick and Michael. When they were young, the boys would walk home from their elementary school during the day to enjoy their mom’s homemade lunches, sitting together at the kitchen table and sharing stories of their day. She cherished the years Patrick lived and worked nearby, stopping at the house for lunch and conversation – a daily ritual that brought her tremendous joy. Her bond with Michael was equally meaningful, strengthened by their weekly calls in which she eagerly listened to stories of his family’s adventures living abroad. Later in life, Marie found joy in visiting Michael, traveling with him through Latvia and Scandinavia, and years later spending treasured time with him and his family in Africa.

Marie is survived by her husband of 50 years, Ronald Ronning; her two sons Patrick (Jessica) Ronning and Michael (Tatiana) Ronning; six cherished grandchildren: Alexander, Hale, Pela, Soren, Theodora, and Iris; her beloved sister Debra Oglesby; and her brother James Sullivan. Her dry sense of humor brought laughter to her family and lightened even the hardest days. Her warm hugs and reassuring words – “Everything is going to be okay” – brought comfort to her entire family throughout her life.

Within her family, Marie was known for her warmth, openness, and the sweet treats she lovingly made – especially her famous chocolate chip cake with peanut butter frosting and her homemade hot chocolate. These were more than recipes; they were extensions of her generous spirit; a way she poured love into the lives of those she cherished.

Marie Lavanne Ronning’s gentle spirit and unwavering love will be forever remembered by those fortunate enough to have known her.