Ronald “Ron” Joseph Capistran, 73 of Grand Forks, North Dakota passed away peacefully at home under the care of his wife and Hospice of the Red River Valley after a courageous and hard-fought battle with cancer.
Ron was born in Crookston, MN to Duane Joseph Capistran and Violet Opal (Winger) Capistran. Ron graduated from Crookston Central High School in 1970.
He then ventured out to Colorado for several years before returning home to Crookston in 1980. After returning home Ron attended UND to earn a Bachelor of Arts Degree in 1987.
Ron and Penny married in 1985 in Grand Forks, North Dakota while attending UND. They resided inGrand Forks and raised their family of three children, Becky, Darick, and Benjamin.

He spent some years working as a painter at UND and Peterson Paint Company. Ron then went on to own and operate Capistran Commercial Painting until his retirement in 2017 due to health concerns with his back. He worked hard and also worked hard at his passion for fishing. He would fish year-round on many Minnesota lakes including many trips with friends to Lake of the Woods. Ron made his first annual fishing trip to Sitka, AK in 2007 to fish salmon and halibut. He referred to his time out on the Pacific Ocean “as another great day on the lake” With the salmon Ron enjoyed making salmon chowder for his family and friends. It was highly requested by many and enjoyed by many of his friends.
Ron enjoyed staying close to home, and spending time in the yard, having friends over, playing cards, and spending time with his pets. He was easily recognized riding around town in his Jeep (top and doors off of course) during the warm summer months. His “Best Friend” Buster (the dog) always by his side. Penny got many text messages saying we got to see Ron and Buster in the Jeep today. Those two brought a lot of smiles to the paths they crossed.
As grandpa he couldn’t have been more proud of his grandson Anthony and his two beautiful granddaughters Addie and Ava. They were a great joy to him.
Ron is survived by his wife, Penny (Hardy) Capistran of Grand Forks; children, Becky (Aaron) Anderson of Avondale AZ, Darick Capistran of Portland OR, Benjamin Capistran of Fargo, ND, and Sarah Spencer of Colorado; grandchildren, Anthony (Monique) Capistran, Adeline Anderson, and Ava Anderson. Anthony and Monique are expecting their first child soon, Ron’s first great grandchild, Alec Ronald Capistran.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Duane and Violet Capistran and his brother, Tom Capistran.
For those of us that know Ron closely know that he has suffered for years with a debilitating back injury and is now resting in peace and is pain free. This realization gives comfort to his family and friends. Ron will be dearly missed.
MEMORIAL SERVICE: 5:00 PM, Monday, June 16, 2025 at Dahl Funeral Home, 2029 Central Ave.
NW, East Grand Forks, MN 56721.
VISITATION: One hour before the service also at Dahl Funeral Home.
INTERMENT: 10:00 AM, Wednesday, June 18, 2025 at Calvary Cemetery in Crookston.
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