Eileen Ronfeldt

Leola "Eileen" (Stevicks) Ronfeldt died peacefully at Lake Andes Care Center on Friday January 19th, 2018 in Lake Andes, SD at the age of 94. She was surrounded by family who adored her. Eileen is survived by her children, William "Bill" (Karen) Ronfeldt, Blanchard, IA, Derald Ronfeldt, Rapid City, SD; and Carla (Jeffrey) Neuberger, Spearfish, SD; daughter-in-law, Debra Ronfeldt, Lake Andes, SD, son-in-law Gary Metzger, Bismarck, ND, sister-in-law Mary Stevicks, Dallas, SD, brother-in-law John Holub, Burke, SD, many precious grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren, as well as many admiring nieces and nephews, and dear family and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband Carl Ronfeldt; children, Dorothy Pastian, Florence Felton, Norman Ronfeldt, Janice Metzger, four infant children, grandson Travis Ronfeldt; siblings Melvin Stevicks, Maude King, Iva King, Neoma Holub, and Laurel Stevicks. Eileen was born on January 23, 1923 in Mullen, SD to Lee and Pearl (Dappen) Stevicks. When she was a spring-chicken of 19, she met handsome Carl Ronfeldt and fell in love for a lifetime. Carl and Eileen were married on October 31st,1942 in Butte, Nebraska. Carl always joked with Eileen that he never knew if he was tricked or treated by marrying Eileen on Halloween. For most of their married life, they farmed in the Gregory and Dallas area. Farm life was full of adventure and shenanigans. Drunken pigs, unwieldy bulls, and daring hayloft escapes frequently added to fray. Carl and Eileen moved into Gregory in the 70's and then to Colome in the 80's, leaving a trail of chokecherry jelly everywhere they went. In her prime, at the age of 40, Eileen learned to drive without ever looking behind her when she backed up. Watch out world! Her passengers quickly learned to buckle up and hang on, as riding along with Eileen was often a fun-filled adventure that you didn't want to miss. Eileen had a green thumb for growing plants and babies. Life thrived in her presence. She offered love, money and forgiveness freely, even when it wasn't deserved. There has never been a person who loved people more and gave no concern to possessions. She had a belly laugh, a playful spirit, and an old soul. She always had a song in her ear, poem on her lips, and Jesus in her heart. She was tenacious and persistent, figuring out ways to make money when times were tough. No one will ever skin skunks quite the same again! For a woman who only acquired an 8th grade education, she taught thousands how to live a true an honest life full of love. She had a heart for those who wished to be something more than they could be and she helped them achieve it – walking through recovery with addicts, assisting those with disabilities to live life to the fullest, cradling babies who were inconsolable, and mentoring children who struggled to learn. She held many jobs over the years, working as a house painter and personal caregiver in the Gregory, Colome and Winner areas and as a housekeeper at the University Hospital in Denver, Colorado. Eileen was an accomplished cook and quilter, and lifelong member of the Rosebud Rebekah Lodge and the Assembly of God church. She left an impression with everyone who met her. The family would like to thank the caregivers and staff at Lake Andes Care Center for their care and dedication. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * A funeral service for Leola Eileen Ronfeldt, 94, was held Friday, January 26, 2018, at 10:30 a.m. at Kotrba-Smith Funeral Home in Gregory, SD with Pastor Allen Bouslaugh officiating. Music was provided by Roy King singing "The Old Rugged Cross" and Jeffrey Neuberger and April Hodges singing "I'll Fly Away." Kathy Johnson was in charge of registration. Live Stream Technician was Mathew Opbroek. Casket Bearers were David Ronfeldt, Mathew Opbroek, Andy Ronfeldt, Clay Opbroek, Michael Ronfeldt, and Ray Felton. Committal was in the I.O.O.F. Cemetery, Gregory, SD. Lunch was served by the Union Congregational Ladies at the Union Congregational Church fellowship hall. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * A Mother Who Prays Some have had kings in their lineage, Some to whom honor was paid. Not blest of my ancestors--but, I have a mother who prays. I have a mother who prays for me And pleads with the Lord every day for me. Oh what a difference it make for me-- I have a mother who prays. Some have worldly success And trust in riches they've made-- This is my surest asset, I have a mother who prays. My mother's prayers cannot save me, Only mine can avail; But mother introduced me to Someone-- Someone who never could fail. Oh yes, I have a mother who prays for me And pleads with the Lord every day for me. O what a difference it makes for me-- I have a mother who prays. Author Unknown