Gapinski (Wendelschafer), Ronda K.,age 79 of Burnsville passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family May 16th, 2025. Preceded in death by her brother, sister and husband of 50 years, Daniel. Survived by daughters Aimee (Daniel) and Megan; 3 grandchildren, Wyatt, Olivia and her best friend Madeline. Visitation at 10 am, service at 11:00 am to be followed by lunch on Saturday, May 31st at White's funeral home in Burnsville.

Ronda was a strong German. She was stubborn as the day is long and never met a challenge she couldn't master. Whether it was recovering a sofa or making all her own clothes she took on every challenge and succeeded. Growing up with her she would often make something from nothing. Her favorite thing to do was decorate her immaculate home in red, black and white. There wasn't always a lot available so she often made valences and artwork to suit her style.

Growing up on a farm she learned to fix things also. When her husband tripped and shattered the toilet she got to work and had it replaced a few hours later. It would sometimes appear as if she was hard on others but that was only because she was an impossible standard to live up to. She was always hardest on herself and never gave up on anything, including family.

She was raised in a time when people rarely expressed their feelings. She was a woman of few accolades but infinite generosity. She would always put her children first and they would often receive lavish gifts while she sacrificed. No matter what it was, she wanted to give her children the world. Helping them with college, cars and travel. She was endlessly proud of her children and grandchildren. She walked a fine line between spoiling us and teaching us how to work.

She left home at 18 to attend a vocational school in Mankato, MN. She learned secretarial skills that landed her a job at Pillsbury downtown. Starting out she didn't have much but then met a nice, but somewhat older, man named Daniel. He took her out everyday for dinner because she didn't have enough money to eat. They broke up numerous times thinking it couldn't work… he was Catholic and her Lutheran, afterall. Eventually they caved in and decided to marry. The rest is history. Two children and many jobs and houses later they ended up in Burnsville. Once the two retired they spent their time doting on their soon to be 3 grandchildren.

Ronda weathered many storms in her time. Deaths and births, job losses and tornadoes but still she persevered. She was a beacon of strength and a font of wisdom who will be missed deeply by those closest to her. The world seems a little less safe and little more dull without her. We miss our mama bear.

Condolences: www.whitefuneralhomes.com, 952-894-5080