RAPID CITY- Ronald Ellsworth Hanson, 86, died Friday, September 22, 2017.

He was born on April 14, 1931 at Andover, SD to Edmond Ellsworth and Elizabeth (Marx) Hanson. He attended elementary and high school in Bristol, SD graduating in 1949. Following graduation he worked on a farm west of Bristol.

On December 11, 1949 he was united in marriage to Eunice Skaare at Bergen Lutheran Church in rural Bristol. To this union, two sons were born: Michael Alan and Steven Ronald. He worked for Hansmeier Corporation and then was employed as manager at the Farmers Elevator in Bristol.

Ron was an avid hunter, especially for deer. Because of his love for the Black Hills area he and his family moved to Rapid City in 1962. He worked at the minuteman missile sites and was a bookkeeper for L.G. Everist Rock and Sand Quarry.

In the mid 1960's the couple began their tourist industry at Keystone and Dinosaur Park in Rapid City.

In 1990 he and his son Steven purchased the Southside Cleaners. At the time of his stroke, he was still helping his son with the business.

He was preceded in death by his son, Michael Alan and his parents, Ellsworth and Elizabeth.

He is survived by his wife, Eunice; son, Steven (Cathy) and granddaughter, Michelle.

Services will be at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, Sept. 28, 2017 at Calvary Lutheran Church with Rev. David Piper officiating. Visitation will be for one hour prior to services.

Burial will be at Bristol Cemetery at Bristol, SD at a later date.