Ronald Lee Hackensmith, 61, of Gordon, died unexpectedly Saturday November 12, 2011 as a result of an accident aboard the ship St. Mary's Challenger.

Ron was born on Oct. 27, 1950 in Evansville, Indiana, the son of Ruby and Wesley Hackensmith, Sr.

He was a member of the Superior Senior High School class of 1968 before serving his country in the U.S. Navy. While in the Navy he was stationed in Pearl Harbor on a tugboat.

Ron married Jean McDowell (Simonsen) on Oct. 23, 1993 and they recently celebrated 18 years of marriage.

He was a Merchant Marine for 19 years and had been working for Port City Steamship Inc. aboard the St. Mary's Challenger. Ron was very proud of working aboard the boat that held the honor of being the oldest freighter trading on the Great Lakes.

Ron enjoyed bowling, hunting, and camping. He was an avid wrestling and Minnesota Vikings fan. Most important to him was spending time with his family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and a brother, Max.

Ron is survived by his wife, Jean; his two sons, Kristopher (Lisa) Hackensmith of Superior and Doug (Shareen) Covell of Oak Grove, Kentucky; step-children, Jaimie (Lance) Goette of Green Bay, Joe McDowell of Winona, Minn. and Jason McDowell of Superior; eleven grandchildren; brothers and sisters, Richard Hackensmith of Superior, Gayle Tate of Superior, Wesley Hackensmith, Jr. of Iron River; Venessa Berndt of Spooner, John (Mary) Hackensmith of Duluth and Donald (Bobbi) of Superior; many nieces and nephews; and his cocker spaniels, Sadie and Sassy.

His funeral service will be on Sat. Nov. 19, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. at the United Presbyterian Church. Rev. Joel Huenemann will officiate. Visitation will begin one hour prior. Interment will be in Riverside Cemetery with Military Honors accorded by the Duluth Combined Honor Guard.

If desired, memorials in Ron's name may be made to the St. Jude's Children's Hospital.

Downs Funeral Home, corner of 19th St. and Ogden Ave., is assisting the family with arrangements.