Ronald Graham

Ronald John Graham, age 89 of Watkins, MN passed away on May 28, 2024, to his eternal home with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. 

The funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday June 11, 2024, at Lake Union Evangelical Covenant Church in South Haven.  Visitation will begin at 10 a.m. Interment will be at Fort Snelling National Cemetery. 

Ron was born on May 2, 1935, in Minneapolis, MN.  He graduated from Roosevelt High School in 1953.   He attended Augsburg University and later finished his degree at Metro State University.  Ron served in the United States Air Force.  

Ron and his beloved wife Cecilia “Lemmie” were married in 1959 and raised six children in Richfield, MN as he embarked on his distinguished 39-year Better Business Bureau (BBB) career, retiring as President of MN/ND BBB in 1998. He then answered the call to return to BBB service numerous times as interim President, consultant, and founder of the nationwide staff development “BBB University” - not to mention serving as a mentor to numerous BBB professionals when called upon.  Ron was inducted into the BBB Hall of Fame in 2009 as he reached the incredible milestone of 50 years of BBB service nationwide. 

Ron was best known as an advertising expert, with his dogged insistence on honest advertising and his relentless pursuit of those who fell short.  Ron was also a founder of the BBB AUTO LINE Program.  Ron’s pioneering work led to national expansion of this effective dispute resolution program.

As a highly respected and vocal advocate for business ethics, Ron was invited to serve on a variety of professional boards and committees, such as the Minnesota Water Quality Association, Minnesota Jewelers Association, Minnesota Council on Economic Education and the Minnesota News Council.  In 1988, he was dubbed “Mr. Good Business” for his promotion of ethical business and great leadership.  He also founded RJG Consulting and continued to provide exceptional guidance and wisdom to businesses even after retiring from the BBB.

In retirement, Ron also enjoyed donating his time and talents by giving back to the community by serving on numerous boards including his Lake Association, Kimball Golf Club, Meeker County and Litchfield Housing Redevelopment Authority and many others. He was an active member of the Lake Union Evangelical Covenant Church. He served on his Roosevelt H.S. Class Reunion Committee and was a long-time member of Twin Cities Dunkers.

He is survived by and will be deeply missed by children Gregory (Joan), Glory (Todd), Ginger, Gretchen (Gary), Garrick (Roxanne), daughter-in-law Christy (Randy), 11 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren. Preceded in death by his wife Lemmie and son Grant.  

Memorials preferred to the Lake Union Evangelical Covenant Church Building Fund. 

Please sign our online guestbook at www.johnsonhagglund.com