Ronald Duane Banta, 72, of Grand Rapids, MN, passed away Thursday, April 28, 2016 in Essentia Health-St. Mary's Medical Center, Duluth, MN. He was born July 1, 1943 in Newfolden, MN. He retired from Blandin Paper Company. Ron enjoyed fishing, bird watching, camping, watching Grand Rapids baseball, the weather channel and survivor on the television. He also enjoyed spending time with his friends at Grand Manor. Ron's grandchildren brought him great joy. He was preceded in death by his parents, LeRoy and Adele (Larson) Geske; and an infant granddaughter. Ron is survived by his children, Jenny (Kevin) Greenhoff of Marshall, MN, Joe (Sheena Coon) Banta of Staples, MN, Jessie (Jason) Karnes of Grand Rapids, MN; sister, Marion (Dale) Sandelin of Blackduck, MN; 9 grandchildren, Jasmine and Jordyn McDonald, Kanon, Kyler and Journey Greenhoff, Cedrych and Tristan Banta, Ty and Abbey Karnes; and many relatives and friends. Memorial Service: 3:00 p.m. Tuesday, May 3, 2016 at Grand Rapids Alliance Church, 600 S.E. 17th St, Grand Rapids, MN, with a visitation one hour prior to the Service. Pastor Randy Junker officiating. See online family guestbook at www.andrews-libbeyfh.com. Arrangements by Andrews-Libbey Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 218-326-4000.