Ronald Francis Carkoski, age 69, of Lakeville, MN passed away January 5, 2023. Ron was born August 25, 1953 in Green Bay, WI to Sylvester and Frances (Przybylski) Carkoski. Ron had a great love of music. It was through this love that he met his wife of nearly 47 years, Patricia (Deprez) Carkoski. Together they raised three children; Karen, Susan, and John.

Ron attended St. Norbert College in De Pere, WI in pursuit of a degree in Vocal and Piano Performance. Although his love of music was strong, he knew that raising three children on a teacher's salary would be difficult. It was then Ron entered the world of produce. He began his career working with his father at Cohodas Bros. in Green Bay, WI. Ron was then hired on as a buyer for Carpenter Cook in Menominee, MI. From there he moved to Superior, WI to be Director of Produce Procurement with Gateway Foods. In 1995 Ron took a job as Director of Procurement with Four Seasons Produce in Denver, PA ending his career there in 2018 as President and CEO.

Ron was a dominant force in the produce industry. His leadership skills and ideas were sought after by many. This led to his role as Chairman of the Board for United Fresh Produce Association. His many accolades include; The Packer Magazine Top 25 Most Influential Leaders, United Fresh Produce Man of the Year, and UFPA Lifetime Achievement Award. Ron's leadership skills allowed him the opportunity to serve on several boards during his career, some of those include; Make-A-Wish Philadelphia Susquehanna Valley, Delaware Valley Floral Group, and Peninsula Music Festival.

When Ron wasn't working, he continued nurturing his love of music. His voice was loved by many and his piano playing would make those passing by the house on their daily walks pause to enjoy. He conducted and participated in several choirs over the years. He also enjoyed playing piano and singing at local church. Most recently he enjoyed spending time helping his granddaughter prepare for her first choral concert.

Ron was also an aviation enthusiast. This led him to obtain his pilot's license before his driver's license. Ron enjoyed flying several different types of planes. During high school and college, he held a job flying mail for the USPS. He was known for his ability to tell you what type of plane was flying over just by its sound.

Ron was a Green Bay boy through and through. He and his wife were avid Packers fans. They passed this love down to their children and grandchildren. Growing up near Lambeau Field, Ron had the opportunity to participate in the Green Bay Packers players bike riding tradition. He was proud of his vast collection of Packers memorabilia. The only other football he enjoyed more was cheering from the sidelines while his grandson sacked a quarterback or ran one in for a touchdown.

Ron had a phenomenal sense of humor. He always had a one liner at the ready. His dad jokes, both good and bad, will be greatly missed.

Ron never met a stranger. He took time to get to know everyone he met. He loved making connections with someone new. Those connections often turned into lasting friendships.

Ron was the most amazing husband, father, father-in-law, grandfather, brother, uncle, friend, and mentor anyone could ever ask for. Our days will be a bit darker without his light shining on us. He was the best of the best.

He was proceeded in death by his parents, Sylvester and Frances Carkoski; infant sister, Geraldine Carkoski; nephew, Ricky Carkoski; in-laws, Alexander and Helen Deprez; sister-in-law, Susan Baxley; best friend of over 50 years, Craig Hansford; also by aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Ron is survived by his wife of nearly 47 years, Pat Carkoski; children, Karen (Lucas) Bratland, Susan Carkoski, John (Sara) Carkoski; grandchildren, Jason and Antoinette Carkoski; brother, Larry (Ilene) Carkoski; niece, Shellie (Todd) Weiting, many other family members, a plethora of friends, and his "best buddy" Reggie the Rottie.

Funeral mass will be held 11 AM Friday, January 13, 2023 at St. Joseph Catholic Church (13900 Biscayne Ave., Rosemount, MN) with visitation starting at 10 AM at church. Luncheon to follow. The church service will be live streamed for those who are unable to make the trip to attend.

Interment at Fort Howard Cemetery, Green Bay, WI at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Ron's honor to one of the following charities; Make-A-Wish, Second Harvest, Peninsula Music Festival Sustaining Committee (Door County, WI) or a charity of the donor's choice.

Ron's family would like to thank the doctors and nursing staff at Abbott Northwestern and Neurosurgical Associates for their exceptional care and attention. Specifically the nurses of H6200, H6000, and E3000. Their unwavering compassion allowed us to focus on spending precious time with Ron.

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