Rolland "Ron" Zetterlund

ROLLAND 'RON' JAMES ZETTERLUND was born on October 31, 1940, to Hans and Blanche (Price) Zetterlund in Pipestone, Minnesota. It was at an early age in the 5th grade in Pipestone when Ron started to show interest in what became a life-long learning experience. He organized a comic-book library in a little room under the steps of his house making it available to all the kids in the neighborhood on a loan basis.

Later when he wanted money for another venture that his dad didn’t approve of, his dad made him a challenge. Find something that his dad approved of and he would lend the money to pursue it. This then began Ron and a neighborhood friend off for what would be a life-long occupation. They sent for a printing kit that had all the necessary material to print monogrammed stationery and business cards. It was advertised that in 3 months enough money could be made to send the 3x5 printing press back towards a 5x8 press. Together they started a printing company called “Times Printing Company.” By the time they graduated high school, they had acquired a large printing operation with cases of type and a motorized 10x15 press. During this time they worked at the Jasper Journal and had worked up a sizable customer-based business.

Graduating high school in 1958 Ron attended South Dakota State at Brookings, later graduating from University of South Dakota at Vermillion with a degree in journalism. He attended classes with Tom Brokaw. After college Ron was drafted into the Army serving 2 years at Ft. Leonard Wood as a chaplain’s assistant at the 12th Field Hospital.

Soon after that Ron worked at newspapers in Iowa and Minnesota, and in 1967 worked at the Clear Lake Courier in South Dakota with the plans of buying the paper after a short time of working there. That did not pan out and he returned to Pipestone to work as editor of the Pipestone County Star.

After 2 years, in 1968 they started Nicollet Press, a commercial printing company. He worked as graphic designer, composition composer and all-around work wherever he was needed. Ron was very interested in photography and spent many years photographing weddings and commercial commissions. One of his own commissions was traveling the state of Minnesota photographing all 96 of the county courthouses. The plan was to publish a pictorial book but the Minnesota Historical Society beat him to the deadline.

In 1985 Nicollet Press closed operation and he went back to the Pipestone County Star working in the commercial printing division. Ron suffered a stroke in October of 2005, leaving most of his left side paralyzed. It did not affect his memory or speech. Ashton Care in Pipestone became his home until it closed and he moved to Good Sam. Confined to his wheel chair, he spent the rest of his days taking the taxi to shops, stores and the library, visiting with friends and relatives, not letting the grass grow under his wheel chair. An interesting conversationalist with a joke to tell one and all. An amazing man!

Ron is lovingly remembered by his brother, Don (Hazel) Zetterlund; sister, June Leopold; his nieces and nephews; and by all who worked with and cared for him. He is preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Blanche Zetterlund; one sister, Ruth Sorenson; and three brothers, Richard, Gerald and Stanley.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be directed to:
Gideons
PO Box 214
Edgerton, MN 56128