Ronald Rosenberg, 73

Ronald Ray Rosenberg passed away on Oct. 13, 2026, at age 73, after a heroic battle with cancer and other health problems. Born on June 13, 1953, in New Rockford, North Dakota, to Robert Rosenberg and Nina (née Omoth), he joined his sisters, Diane and Vonnie, on the family farm, which had no running water. The family later moved to Victor, Montana, before settling in Whitefish. There, Ron became a football star and a standout player on a state championship basketball team.

Athletics took Ron to the University of Montana, where he played middle linebacker and earned First Team All-Conference and First Team All-American honors. In 1974, he was named Big Sky Conference Defensive Player of the Year and received the Golden Helmet Award, presented annually to the team’s “hardest hitter”. “Rosie” was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in 1975.

While at the University of Montana, a friend arranged a blind date between Ron and Karen King. That date became a marriage of 53 years — a life they built together through amazing times, hard times, and everything in between. They welcomed Kirsten and Joel, whom Ron often reminded, with his trademark humor, that he had brought them into this world and could also bring them out.

Ron began his professional life at Zip Beverage in Missoula, where he formed many lifelong friendships. He later embarked on a 40-year banking career with several institutions in Kalispell and Whitefish, including service as president and chairman of Valley Bank of Kalispell. After retiring from Three Rivers Bank in 2018, he remained a board member and mentor until his full retirement in 2025.

Ron made a lasting impact on his community. Among his proudest accomplishments was helping his alma mater, Whitefish High School, build its first rubberized track. His contribution was later recognized through the annual “ARM” track meet, with the “R” honoring Rosenberg. In 1999, he served as Prime Minister of the Whitefish Winter Carnival, and he cherished the good times he shared as a participant in the annual “Merry Maker.”

Ron loved golfing with close friends, watching football-especially the Griz-and attending his kids and grandkids’ events.  He was happiest at his home on Ashley Lake, captaining his pontoon boat on cocktail cruises, manicuring his property to perfection from his tractor, and serving late night steak dinners.  His favorite evenings always ended around the campfire with his family.

Ron was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Diane Lyman; and his niece, Tina McInerney (née Fifield). He is survived by his wife, Karen; daughter Kirsten (Derek) Pevey and grandchildren Rylan and Jaidyn; son Joel (Shannon) and grandchildren Oliver, Reese, and Hadlee; sister Vonnie (Ward) Fifield; brothers-in-law Roger Lyman, John King, and A.J. King and their families; as well as many cousins, nieces, nephews, loving friends, and his dog, Cayman.

A celebration of life is planned for Oct. 26 at 3 p.m. at the Whitefish Presbyterian Church and will be followed by a reception at Grouse Mountain Lodge in the New Events Center from 5-7 p.m. A memorial scholarship has been created as the "Ron Rosenberg Scholarship Fund" and donations can be accepted at Three Rivers Bank.

    Ronald Rosenberg