It is with great sadness, and also joy, that we announce the passing of Deacon Ronald L. Fournier, on June 25, 2026, as he journeyed home to our Eternal Father in Heaven.  He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, brother-in-law, uncle, and friend.

Ron was born in Butte, Montana on February 29,1936, leap year, to Stephen and Christina (Vukovich) Fournier.  He was the eldest of four children.  Being a Leap Year Baby, he liked to joke about his age.

Ron started selling papers at the age of thirteen to help support his family.  He always had a great work ethic.  He proudly served in the United States Navy Reserve for 5 years.  At the age of nineteen Ron met the love of his life, Betty Jean Askman.  They were married on July 20, 1957.  Ron started work at Safeway as the manager of stores in Butte and the surrounding area.  Later on, he decided to have a change in careers and started his own business as a paint contractor, "Rons Painting and Decorating".  The business was a success and many homes to the East, West, North, and South were decorated by him.  As the years went on, Ron's sons would join him in the business.  He was always proud of this.  One of his greatest honors was to paint Butte's Catholic Churches.  During this time, with the help of his brother, Chuck, he built his own home … and a beautiful home it is.  A little later in life he changed careers again, working for the Housing Authority until his retirement, a retirement well deserved.

One of Ron's greatest joys was when he was called to the Deaconate.  He was ordained a Deacon in the Catholic Church in September of 1991.  He served as a Deacon for many Churches in Butte, performing Masses, Weddings, Funerals, and Baptisms.  He was always very active in the Deaconate and felt it an honor to serve God and others.

Ron and Betty spent many happy years camping and traveling to the Oregon Coast and Canada.  Ron loved Betty for 68 years, and his family was his greatest joy.  He will be greatly missed.

Ron was preceded in death by his parents; his siblings and their spouses, Charles and Elizabeth Fournier, Annette and Ray Sammons, Stella Gleason, and Steve and Sue Fournier; his in-laws, Joseph and Helen Nolan, and Rudy Askman; aunt and uncle, Mary and Howard Stuart; and grandson, Tyler Fournier.

He is survived by his loving wife of 68 years, Betty; his children, Ron (Lon) Fournier, Julie (Floyd) Brinton, Kevin (Eva) Fournier, Steve (Melanie) Fournier, and Daniel (Marci) Fournier; grandchildren, Kaionie Fournier, Jacob Fournier, Brian Fournier, Steven Fournier, Jon Fournier, Floyd R. Brinton (Bryant), Jerry Knobel (Wes), Ronnie Lynn Fournier, Shea Thompson (Billy), and Gracie Founier; and great-grandchildren, Haley Herron (Jake), Derek Fournier, Hope Stewart, Cameron Fournier, Tyler Curtis, Wyatt Fogerty, Penelope Knobel, Miles Knobel, and Layton Thompson.  He is also survived by his extended family; Henry and Colleen Klobucar, Arlene Askman, and Jim Gleason; numerous nieces and nephews; and countless cherished friends, which include Henry Hislop and Mike Lyons.

We wish to extend a special Thank You to Riley and the staff of HoneyBee Hospice, who were an immense help during Ron's last days.

Friends may call on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, after 5:30 PM.  Parish Vigil will be recited at 6:00 PM.  Friends may call on Wednesday, July 01, 2026, after 10:00 am in St. Ann's Catholic Church.  Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 am.  Memorials are suggested to Action Inc.