Ronald E. Ronke

Ronald E. Ronke, age 74, of Watertown, SD, passed away on Saturday, November 2, 2024, at a local care center. Funeral Services will be at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, November 11, 2024, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. Father Richard Baumberger will be the celebrant.
Visitation will be at the Crawford-Osthus Funeral Chapel in Watertown on Sunday from 2-4 p.m. and prior to services at the church on Monday.
Burial will be at Esterly Cemetery in Florence. Honorary pallbearers will be: the Wheel Inn Coffee Group, members of the Elks Lodge #838, Dempsey's staff and patrons, and Charlie Rice. Active Pallbearers will be the Watertown Fire Department Firefighters.
Ronald Edward Ronke was born on May 25, 1950, to Norbert and Mary (Jankord) Ronke. Ron attended school at Immaculate Conception School. With a strong work ethic, Ron entered the workforce as soon as possible.
In 1968, Ron met Carolyn, who he called, the love of his life, and the two were married on November 21, 1970, at Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church in Watertown, SD. Ron loved to make Carolyn smile and spent any moment he could with her. Their love story was a testament to enduring companionship, filled with laughter and shared adventures. Their love radiated, evident in the way they looked at each other.
Ron cherished his role as a father, and nothing brought him more joy than cheering on his sons, Travis and Todd. His presence at every sporting event was unwavering; he was not just a spectator but an active participant in their lives. Whenever possible, Ron took on the role of coach, guiding them through the ups and downs of youth sports. Ron helped coach his sons' teams to lead them to winning multiple championships. The moments spent together on the field not only became cherished memories to Ron and his sons but also to the many young men he coached.
Carolyn was the love of Ron's life, but there was another love that held a special place in his heart-his beloved dog, Razz. Ron and Razz formed an inseparable bond. Razz was more than just a pet; he was a loyal companion who brought joy to Ron.
Ron was most proud of his service as a Firefighter/EMT with the Watertown Fire Department, retiring on 9-11-2001, after 25 years of service. From his first day on the job, he embraced the challenges and responsibilities that came with being a firefighter. His devotion to helping others were hallmarks of his career and a testament to Ron's personality.
Being a firefighter was only one side of Ron's dedication to his community. Ron was actively involved in his community, as a member of the Elks Lodge #838, serving as a past Exalted Ruler, and contributing to the Make-A-Wish Foundation as a wish granter. His dedication to helping others brought smiles to countless faces and left a lasting impact on those around him. His joy to helping young children was seen often as was his soft spot for children.
An avid sports enthusiast, Ron found joy on the golf course, watching his granddaughters and great-grandchildren at their events, and being at the racetrack as a pitman, driver, and flagman at Casino Speedway, where his enthusiasm for the sport was infectious. Ron also enjoyed his fantasy football leagues and survivor boards at Dempsey's. Dempsey's was his favorite spot to spend his free time. Ron was never a stranger to the staff and patrons there.
Ronald is survived by his sons Travis (Tracy) Ronke, of Watertown, and Todd (Mary) Ronke, of Watertown; grandchildren, Cori, Taylor, Tatum, Taryn, Caitlin, and Tegan; great-grandchildren, Lucy, Colt, Camryn, Breckan, Hank, Easton, Maverick, Winnie, Clara, Lincoln, Rayleigh, and baby Walton; ten siblings, Fran Hanggi, of Minnesota; Russ (LeAnnette) Ronke, of South Dakota; Marilyn (Gary) Flesland, of Minnesota; Richard (Kina) Ronke, of South Dakota; Tom (Joanne) Ronke, of South Dakota; Larry (Laura) Ronke, of North Carolina; James (Marcia) Ronke, of South Dakota; Jerry (Maureen) Ronke, of Minnesota; Mary Jane (Jeff) Kolodjski, of Minnesota; and Brenda (Terry) Reeves, of South Carolina; and many nieces and nephews.
Ronald was preceded in death by his wife, Carolyn; parents, Norbert Ronke and Mary Ronke; father-in-law and mother-in-law, George "Frank" and Sharon Croninger; four siblings, Bernard "Skip" Ronke, Carolyn Bolton, Linda Taylor, and Greg Ronke; and one great-grandchild.
Arrangements by Crawford-Osthus Funeral Chapel www.crawfordosthus.com Watertown and Hayti
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