Romeo "Ro" Grignon

Celebration of Life: https://vimeo.com/event/4410718

Tribute Video: https://www.tributeslides.com/tributes/show/9CSZXHR5TBXYMLD7

Ro was born on 1/30/29 to Angus and Freda Lund (later Ramsland) and had a younger half-sister LaDonna Ramsland. He died of Covid on 2/5/22 at the age of 93 at St Lukes Hospital in Fargo, ND. Ro was raised in Fargo, graduated from Fargo High School in 1947 and attended North Dakota State University. Ro later transferred to the University of Wisconsin, Madison graduating with degrees in Speech, English and Political Science in 1953. In addition, he completed graduate work at both the University of Wisconsin, Madison and NYU.

Ro met his future wife Kathleen “Kay” Herbison in 6th grade, married her in a Christmas evening ceremony on Dec 26th 1950 and spent over 72 years together. They raised five children as they moved 9 times for his work, living in ND, WI, KS, PA, OH and MN.

As college students, he and Kay saw their first TV broadcast at a friend’s house where they watched a fuzzy, static screen that was supposed to be a football game. He was hooked. His first job was to help put KXJB TV on the air in Fargo and Valley City. He fondly recalled building the set for the very first news broadcast. In 1958, Ro moved to Kansas City to work for WDAF-TV, progressing from sales to general manager.

Eventually, Taft Broadcasting purchased WDAF-TV and his career began.

Over the years, he was the General Manager of 5 major market TV stations eventually becoming the President of the 12 TV stations in the group. He was one of the producers of the longtime, nationally syndicated TV show “Entertainment Tonight”, he collaborated with Disney on its “Charlottes Web” production and worked closely with his friends Bill Hanna and Joe Barbara. Ro joined Red River Broadcasting in 1989 and was president of the television and radio group until his retirement in December of 2013 at the age of 84. His final years were spent in Fargo.

Ro’s wife Kay passed away in December of 2023. He is survived by his son David, daughter Judith Grignon-Hoiriis (David), daughter’s-in-law Mary Kim, and Evelyn. He leaves behind 10 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by sons Peter and John, his parents and sister; his son Alan died in 2023.

The family plans a shared celebration of life for Ro and Kay on Saturday June 29th, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at Hanson-Runsvold Funeral Home in Fargo. If so inclined, the family suggests memorials to Round/Ice Cracking Lakes Association Environmental Fund or the Salvation Army of Fargo.