Ronald Louis Driscoll

Ronald L. Driscoll, age 78, of Hastings, Minnesota, passed away on Monday, April 20, 2026, at Benedictine Living Community in Hastings, surrounded by his family, after a battle with Alzheimer’s disease.

Ron was born in Red Wing, Minnesota, to Ray and Monica (née Fox) Driscoll. He was raised in Hastings and was one of two children, he and his sister, Cheri. He graduated from Hastings High School in 1965 and earned a degree in physical education and health from Mankato State University in 1969.

After dating his high school sweetheart since the age of 15, Ron married Jane Melby on July 25, 1970. As lifelong residents of Hastings, they raised their two children, Heather and Michael. He took great pride in being a husband, dad, and grandpa - roles he cherished most of all.

Ron worked as a physical education teacher at Hastings Parochial School, later known as St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, until his retirement in 2000. During his career, he was known to many students and players as “Mr. D.”, where he coached basketball and baseball. Additionally, he was an assistant coach for both the varsity baseball and girl’s basketball teams at Hastings High School. A joy in life was connecting and reconnecting with all of his former athletes.

Beyond coaching, he remained active in sports throughout his life. Playing in basketball leagues and baseball for the Miesville Mudhens, he experienced success until his late 40’s. Summer mornings were spent golfing, always carrying his clubs for 18 holes, never 9 because that was like, “kissing your sister.” While golfing at the Hastings Country Club, he recorded two holes-in-one.

In retirement, Ron enjoyed traveling with Jane, including several vacations to Europe, with Ireland being a favorite destination. Trips to Las Vegas were plentiful, mostly ending with successful visits to the blackjack or craps table. According to Ron, there was only one time where he wasn’t in the black.

When Ron was not coaching or on the golf course, he and Jane loved hosting and socializing with friends, teammates, coworkers, and classmates. This truly defined the nature of Ron, who developed countless lasting connections and touched the lives of so many. These gatherings with friends, would typically conclude with his familiar phrase, “Final, Final”.

He is survived by his wife, Jane Driscoll; daughter, Heather (Ryan) Heinritz; son, Michael (Kristin) Driscoll; grandchildren, Jason, Luke, Meadow, Olivia, Evelyn, and Thomas; bonus grandsons, Gabe, Ben, and Logan; sister, Cheri (Mike) Harp; and nieces, Callie (Jake) Koehler, Taylor (Mike) Willett, and Lexie (Tim) Harris.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Monica Driscoll and many aunts and uncles.

A Memorial Mass will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, April 27, 2026, at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, 2035 W. 15th St., Hastings, MN 55033. A visitation will be held from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m. at the church prior to the Mass. Burial will follow at Lakeside Cemetery in Hastings, with a reception to follow back at the church.

Special thanks to staff at The Benedictine Senior Living Community - Pauline Unit, especially Angie for the constant and attentive care to Ron over the last few months.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to The Alzheimer’s Association.