Ronald Henry Stude was born on November 9, 1944 to Clarence and Martha (Dean) Stude. He grew up on a farm and enjoyed riding his Cushman scooter. While attending Brewster High School, Ron enjoyed being the manager of the football team. He excelled in math and, upon graduation, he attended the University of Minnesota, obtaining his degree in electrical engineering. Ron was drafted by the military but obtained a deferment to complete a college degree. Upon graduation from the U of M, he entered the Army, utilizing his skillset working on missiles at White Sands Missile Base in New Mexico.