Ronald "Ron" Hunkins

Ronald “Ron” Hunkins, 82, passed away on October 2, 2026. 

He was born in California on October 19, 1943, to Charles and Louise Hunkins. As a young child, the family moved to Montana, where he grew up with siblings Ray and Kathy. The mountains, rivers, lakes, and wide-open spaces were an important part of his DNA. Tales paint him as a “spirited” child. He was also an accomplished athlete, excelling in baseball and earning the title of state high-jump champion. He met his beautiful “Bonnie Lou” at the 17 Bar & Club in Billings. They married on December 11, 1968, in Minnesota, where they rooted their lives and began their family. 

Our dad loved his family with his whole heart. They were blessed with four children: Jason (Nickie), Ronelle (Dave), Natane, and Cordell (Ally). He was further blessed with 10 grandchildren, who affectionately called him Poppy. 

He was sharp-witted and intelligent. He earned his MBA and rose through the ranks of executive leadership at Tennant Company, Ball Corporation, Conklin Inc., and Malter International. Later in life, with an innovative and entrepreneurial spirit, he started a small business, Seal Canvas Products, and launched his legacy product, the Seal-A-Door. Still, his greatest accomplishment was the family and life he built with Bonnie. 

Dad showed his love by being present. He was at every game, event, milestone, and moment that mattered to us. He was interested, involved, and supportive, never missing a moment to tell us he loved us and was proud of us. He was a romantic, affectionate, and devoted partner to our mom. Now, as parents and spouses ourselves, we are shaped by his example and strive to live up to it. 

He was also wonderfully silly and sentimental. As children, we knew him for his Donald Duck impression and the whistle that echoed through the neighborhood. He wrote poems and letters and created over-the-top traditions. He entertained us with dramatically tragic songs until we cried with laughter. When grandchildren entered the picture, he and Mom bought a lake home in the incomparable Nisswa, MN. He simply wanted a place his grandchildren would want to spend time and create memories. For 17 amazing years, our entire family enjoyed our “best week of summer” together. With such clarity and intention, Dad made life joyful. 

He was a good friend – kind, caring, and generous to all who knew him. Mom really wants you to know he was also a good golfer…or at least definitely enjoyed it. 

Our words do not do justice to how much we will miss him. Every day, we will do our best to fill that space with sincere gratitude for how fortunate we were to have him, to love him, and to be loved by him.