Ronald F. Setniker, age 79, longtime resident of Biwabik died Thursday August 9, 2018 at Essentia Health St. Mary's in Duluth. He was born July 21, 1939 in Gilbert, MN the son of Frank and Ann (Tomsich) Setniker. Ron was a graduate of Biwabik High School. A Veteran of the US Army, Ron served in the 101st Airborne Division Screaming Eagles during the Vietnam War.

Ron's working career was with LTV – retiring after 37 years of service. He was a member of the VFW, and the Musicians' Union. He enjoyed gardening, baking and walking on the local trails.

Ron had a long and noteworthy career as a Button Accordion player (Half Chromatic and Diatonic). His band was the Button Box Showcase. He was a 1999 inductee to the Ironworld Polka Hall of Fame as the "Iron Range Button Accordion King", and won a 1998 Grammy Award Nominee for "That Button Box Touch". He was recognized by the Cleveland Polka Hall of Fame, and received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Northeast Accordion Association of Minneapolis. His music is part of the Minnesota Polka Traditions Permanent Archives at the Minnesota Historical Society in St. Paul, MN and the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C.

Ron is survived by his daughters: Susan (James) Jorstad of Roseville, MN, and Shelby (Allan Zlimen) Setnikar of Woodbury, MN; a brother: Dennis (Bonnie) Setniker of Biwabik, MN; grandchildren: Evan Jorstad, and Sofia and Starla Eschiti; and extended family and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Visitation will be from 9:30 am until the 10:30 am Memorial Service Saturday, August 18, 2018, at Our Lady of Hope in Biwabik. The Reverend Fr. Peter Lambert will officiate. Inurnment will be in the Lakeside Cemetery in Biwabik.

Family services are provided by Bauman-Cron, a Bauman Family Funeral Home, in Virginia. To express condolences on-line please see: www.baumanfuneralhome.com.