Loved ones remember Minneapolis veteran after cancer death

MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) - Derek Ronning, a lifelong Vikings fan and Minneapolis native, passed away earlier this month after a drawn-out battle with pancreatic cancer. His impact on the lives of those around him remains profound.

Minnesota veteran honored at Vikings game

What they're saying: "He would give you the shirt off his back. He opened up his home to people when they needed it," Ronning’s colleague Amanda Arndt said.

According to his obituary, Ronning graduated from Montevideo High School in 1986. He went on to touch the world by helping those around him.

"There’s parts of Derek with everything we do. Every day, every part of work, he was the best of the best. There was no other Derek Ronning, and nobody will fill those shoes. It’s something that we treasure and take with us every day of work, and every day outside of work." Arndt said.

Ronning served in the United States Air Force for 26 years, retiring as a senior master sergeant. He then went on to work as a 911 dispatcher in South Dakota.

On Sunday, at the Vikings' final regular season home game, Arndt made sure Ronning was there – at least in spirit. She wore a custom jersey with Ronning's name on the back to the game. "He was a huge Vikings fan. He grew up as a Vikings fan and lived as a Vikings fan. That was one of the last things he did—watch the Vikings game before he passed," she said.