Ronald "Ron" L. Ronning

Ron Ronning, 67, of Rapid City, died Sunday, November 27 th , with his wife and children by his side.

Ron was born August 23, 1949 in Plankinton, SD. He joined two loving parents, C. Herman and Lil (Keester) Ronning. Ron lived his entire life in Rapid City. He attended General Beadle Elementary, where he met several of his life-long friends. Ron attended North Middle School, where he and several of his friends mastered playing practical jokes on their basketball coaches. Ron graduated from Central High School and developed a love for history, art, and debate. After graduating from high school, Ron and his father owned and operated Buy-Rite Grocery, a staple on the north side of Rapid. They operated the Buy-Rite Grocery for several decades. Ron held several jobs throughout his life but his most enjoyable was being a driver for Rapid Transit. Ron enjoyed providing rides for people and especially enjoyed working with the crew at Rapid Transit.

On December 17, 1977, Ron married his life partner and wife, Colleen Kramer. Shortly after, they started their family; daughter, Beth (Ronning) Odahlen, in 1978, and son, Zach Ronning, in 1979.

Ron was all about sports. He learned the love of baseball from his father, Herman. Ron played baseball as a child and a young man. The love for baseball developed into coaching. He coached Rushmore Little League Baseball for many years, encouraging the love of baseball for many families. After coaching, Ron became the Assistant District Administrator for Little League Baseball in North Dakota and South Dakota. Ron not only loved baseball, he also grew to appreciate other sports including basketball, golf, volleyball, and football. He attended all of this his children's extracurricular activities, where Ron could be heard cheering them on from the stands. After watching his children's experiences, Ron became active as a high school volleyball and football referee. Ron was also an avid golfer.

Ron loved spending time with his wife, children, and grandchildren. He loved telling stories, playing games, and watching sports with his kids and grandkids. He also enjoyed teaching his kids and grandkids the art of fishing.

Ron was a fishing enthusiast. He loved fishing in South Dakota and Canada, with family and friends. Ron enjoyed the outdoors, spending time in Custer State Park with his family or cultivating his lily garden.

Ron is survived by his wife Colleen, daughter Beth (Isaac) Odahlen of Minot, ND, Zach (Susan) Ronning of Bismarck, ND, and three grandchildren, Conor and Mckenna Odahlen and Fletcher Ronning. He is also survived by his Kramer Family: Daryl ,Chuck(Nancy), Bruce(Lisa), Bryan(Cindy), Tim(Chris) and Mark(Michelle)of Minot; Joanne of Seattle, WA; Barb of Grand Forks, ND; Mary Lou (Patrick) of Killeen, TX; Julie(Loren) of Bismarck, ND; and a number of nieces, nephews and cousins.

A visitation will be held Friday, December 2, 2016 from 5 pm – 7 pm at Osheim & Schmidt Funeral Home. A Celebration of Life service will be held at 3 pm on Saturday, December 3 at Osheim & Schmidt Funeral Home.