Ronald Dean Hawkins

Ronald D. "Hawk" Hawkins, age 76, of Hastings and formerly of Belle Plaine, passed away suddenly but peacefully while fishing with friends in Ontario, Canada. Those who knew Hawk would probably agree there was no better place for him to cast off one last time.

Ronald Dean Brinton Hawkins, the son of Charles and Esther (Seeger) Hawkins, was born on September 27, 1949, in Buffalo, Minnesota. Hawk graduated from Wells High School and continued his education at both Waldorf College and the University of Minnesota in Winona, where he earned his Bachelor of Science degree in education. From that point forward, Hawk spent 34 years as an Industrial Arts teacher in the Belle Plaine School District, teaching generations of students that there was always a right way to build something.

After a year of dating, Hawk conveniently married his sweetheart, Donna Brinton, on August 1, 1984, in Las Vegas while they were traveling to the Olympics. Why wait when there were adventures to be had? In 1986, they were blessed with their only child, Katie. Countless family memories were made with those he loved, right up to his final days, and those moments will be cherished forever.

For those who knew Hawk, there was nothing outside of family that rivaled his love of fishing. Whether he was at the cabin on Bay Lake, chasing walleye on Lake Erie, fishing Lake of the Woods, or simply launching the boat wherever the fish were rumored to be biting, Hawk and his buddies always seemed to find the right spot. If they didn't catch fish, they still managed to catch and create a good story. His tackle box was organized, his opinions on the best fishing spots were strong, and he was always willing to test the theory that "one more cast" could turn into another hour.

When the lakes were frozen, Hawk traded his fishing rod for golf clubs and headed to the warmth of Peoria, Arizona. There he could be found golfing, checking in with friends at the Elk's Club in Sun City, or simply enjoying life. Hawk never needed an extravagant day to be happy just good company, a cold beverage, and somewhere to tell stories.

Though his death came sooner than anyone envisioned, his family finds comfort knowing he was able to attend his only granddaughter Isla's kindergarten graduation just days before his passing and that he spent his final hours doing exactly what he loved with lifelong friends. If Hawk's sudden passings left any advice, it would probably be to hug your family, take the fishing trip, order the extra appetizer, and never pass up the chance to enjoy a beverage with friends because tomorrow is never promised.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his mother and father-in-law, Homer and Ann Brinton; his sister, Kathleen Hawkins; sisters-in-law, Aletha "Becky" Hawkins and Diane Burtness; brother-in-law, Kevin Knoll; niece, Emily Knoll; and nephew, Benjamin Meints.

Hawk is survived by his loving wife, Donna; daughter, Katie Werner; Katie's husband, who was like a son to Hawk and Donna, Beau Werner; granddaughter, Isla, who quickly became the biggest catch of his life; siblings, George Hawkins and Susan (Keith) Bonn; a special niece who was like a daughter, Jenny Scott Brinton; as well as many other nieces, nephews, relatives, and countless dear friends who will forever miss his stories, his laughter, and his ability to find fun in just about anything.

A prayer service will be held at 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, followed by a Celebration of Hawk's Life until 7:00 p.m., all at Hastings Golf Club & Events.

In lieu of flowers, Hawk's family kindly requests memorial donations be made to SIDS, the Alzheimer's Association , St. John the Baptist Catholic School or Courage Ride – Seth Bailey's Team in his memory.