Ronald Raymond Hatlestad

Ronald Raymond Hatlestad, 75, was received info the loving arms of the Lord on December 6th, 2023. Born in Sioux City, Iowa on June 17th, 1948, to Father Raymond Hatlestad and Mother Anna Mae Leone (Petersen) Sawatzky. After High School and some college courses in Sioux Falls, SD, he volunteered to join the Navy and specialized in Naval Communications on active United States Naval Ships including the USS Ranger. Ronald enjoyed being stationed in the Philippine Islands, Hawaii, and Guam, to name a few over the course of his military career.
During his service he met his wife Aurea "Lani" Padua, and they married in Olongapo City, Philippines on June 25, 1970. They were happily married for 43 years. Ronald was a selfless man who put others before himself, and who loved Christ and his family. He did not require much, but what he did have he would gladly give to you, even if you were a stranger. He was a blessing in this life and will truly be missed.
Ronald is survived by his daughter Ellizabeth and her husband Paul McCarthy, son Robert and his wife Melissa Hatlestad, sister Sheila and her husband Billl Julius, 6 grandchildren and many great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, stepfather Walter Sawatzky, brothers Richard Hatlestad and Bruce Hatlestad.
In Lieu of flowers the family requests making donations in his memory to one of Ronald's favorite charities: Wounded Warrior Project, Tunnel to Towers Foundation, The Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S., Disabled American Veterans, and Shriners Hospitals for Children.