To The Crookston Times readers,

It is with regret that CherryRoad Media announces the closing of The Crookston Times

Our company is dedicated to the preservation of community journalism. Since the purchase of our 1st paper in late-2020 to today, we have prided ourselves on our ability to fight the difficult battle that newspapers face in today’s digital society. Unfortunately, that battle cannot always be won.

The Crookston Times has struggled in recent years to find its footing in this community. Since purchasing The Crookston Times, CherryRoad Media has been unable to avoid financial losses every month. The paper was losing money when we bought it, and it continued to do so. We must now come to terms with the fact that we do not have a path forward to sustainability.

And we thank those who have supported us.

Ronald J. Urness

Ronald J. Urness, 87, West Fargo, N.D., died peacefully on Wednesday, July 13, 2022, in his home under Hospice care.

Ronald James Urness was born on April 16, 1935, in Crookston to Clifford and Vera (Walters) Urness. He was raised on the family farm near Crookston, attended country school, and graduated from the Northwest School of Agriculture at the University of Minnesota Crookston.

On October 10, 1959, he married Ila Jane Floan. They lived for a short time in Minneapolis and Moorhead before moving to West Fargo in 1970.

Ronald ran his first full marathon in 1982. He retired from the Fargo VA, November 1990. Retirement allowed him to spend more time entering marathons and running. Ronald also enjoyed gardening and tending to his lawn and hedge. When his running slowed down, the community senior lunches became an important activity he attended daily. As his Parkinson’s progressed, a highlight of his day was the Meals on Wheels delivery. He was a member of Faith Lutheran Church in West Fargo since 1971.

Ronald was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Delaine Urness; and his wife, Ila.

He is survived by children, Scott (Diane) ofRochester, Mark of West Fargo, and Susan (Lyle) Ausk of West Fargo; grandchildren, Chase and Tanna Urness, and Megan (Levi) Gilbertson; sister Mary Solheim; sisters-in-law, Joyce (Curt) Erlandson of Kenosha, Wis., and Char Floan of Rogers.

No services will be held.

Interment will be in the Faith Lutheran Church Columbarium, West Fargo.

West Funeral Home & Life Tribute Center. westfuneralhome.com.

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