James "Ron" Hayes

James R. "Ron" Hayes, age 72, of Austin, died Sunday, April 25, 2010 at his home in Alexandria. Ron was born May 24, 1937 to James Lawrence and Alice Ellen (Savage) Hayes. On November 30, 1957 he married Constance Sue Carnell. Ron graduated from the University of Minnesota in 1961. He taught Agricultural Education for over 40 years in Henderson, Mn and Ellendale, Mn and Adult Farm Management in Austin, Mn before retiring in 2001. Ron was an award winning livestock producer and a member of the Mower County Fair Board. He was inducted into the Mower County Fair Hall of Fame and volunteered for 4-H, FFA, FFA Alumni and several other volunteer projects. Ron was a long time member of Our Lady of Loretto Catholic Church in Brownsdale, Mn and the Brandon Catholic Church in Brandon, Mn. In his retirement years, he loved to spend time with family, especially his grandchildren and with friends. Dad continued to work with his "farm" families doing taxes and financial planning. He enjoyed living his summers at the lake in Alexandria, Mn boating, fishing, and walking. Survivors include his wife of 53 years, Constance Sue "Connie" Hayes, Austin; children, Heidi Sue (Gary) Peterson, Rochester, Daniel Patrick (Judy) Hayes, Rochester, Thomas Ronald (Bev) Hayes, Syracuse, NY, Michael Edward Hayes, Boise, ID, Holly Ann (Steve) Berger, Inver Grove Heights; five grandchildren, Jayme (Alexander), Jacob, Eric, Jonathan, Kyle; sisters, Elaine (Doug) Blackman, East Grand Forks, Lois (Bob) Kovacovich, Danville, Ca; brother, Richard (Mary) Hayes, Glencoe; numerous nieces, nephews and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Loretta, Joan, Marcella, LeVita, Luella; brother, Joseph "Buck" Hayes; infant brother; grandson, Joshua. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated 2:00 pm on Friday, April 30, 2010 at Queen of Angels Catholic Church with Father Dale Tupper officiating. There will be a 6:30 pm wake service on Thursday at Mayer Funeral Home where friends may call from 4-7 pm and also one hour before the service at the church on Friday. Interment will be in Greenwood Cemetery in Brownsdale. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the American Cancer Society or the Mayo Clinic Cancer Research Center.

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