Ronald Joseph Poppler

Ronald Joseph Poppler, age 83, of Waseca, passed away at his home on October 20, 2025.

Born on August 15, 1942, in Victoria, Minnesota, he is the son of Ervin and Julia (Kelzer). He attended St. Victoria Catholic School in Victoria, through tenth grade before leaving to help with work on the family farm. On October 20, 1964, he was drafted into the United States Army and stationed in Fort McClellan, Alabama where he received the National Defense Service Medal (Expert Rifle M-14) and the 1st Award Medal for Good Conduct. He was honorably discharged on October 19, 1966.

On June 2, 1973, he married Kay Hasner at Guardian Angels Catholic Church in Chaska, and together they shared nearly 50 years of marriage until Kay’s passing in 2023. Ron and Kay began their married life in Chaska before moving to Shakopee. In 1980, they relocated to Rosen, Minnesota and shortly thereafter, moved to Nassau, Minnesota, where they owned and operated K&R Cafe in Marietta, Minnesota. While living in Nassau, Ron also drove Milk Truck for Viessman Trucking. In 1990 they made their home in Waseca where Ron worked at Brown Printing until his retirement—after which he proudly accepted his greatest promotion yet: becoming a grandpa. Ron was a member of the Waseca American Legion and a longtime member of Sacred Heart Church.

He found joy in tending his vegetable garden, unwinding with classic old Westerns, and camping in his 1950’s Airstream camper. He loved cruising around town, catching up on the latest happenings, and sharing stories and laughter with friends at the American Legion. Ron was the kind of man whose reliability you could set your watch by—always ready to drop everything and lend a hand; there wasn’t much he couldn’t repair with a little patience, a good tool, and his trademark grin. His smile could light up an entire room; warm, genuine, and impossible to forget.

Ron is survived by his children, Troy (Katrina Rahier) Poppler, Victoria (Rafi) Quader, and Sara (Wes) Ruedy; grandchildren: Jaime Hayden, Clint Poppler, Dylan Howen, Joseph Poppler, Zachary (Jennifer) Pillatzke, Kelsey Pillatzke, Saffron Quader, Kayley (Brady Ruschmeyer) Ruedy, Creed Poppler, Riley Ruedy, Tyseer Nabi, and Colten Ruedy; one great grandchild, Shyla Hayden; siblings: Frederick (Karen) Poppler, James (Mary) Poppler, Richard (Bernice) Poppler, Bernard Poppler (Sue), Thomas Poppler, Joanne Poppler, Terrance (Mary) Poppler, Steven (Theresa) Poppler, Edward (Jean) Poppler, Jeffrey Poppler, and Judith Meuffels; brother-in-law, O.J. Hasner; along with many other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Kay; daughters, Debra Howen and Tammy Poppler; grandsons; Brandon Steven and Tyler Poppler; great granddaughter, Dawn Lynn.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, October 28, 2025 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Waseca with Fr. Glenn Frerichs as celebrant. Visitation will be for one hour prior to the service at the church on Tuesday. Interment will be at the Janesville Cemetery.