Ronald L. Heesch, age 91, of Sioux Falls, SD died Saturday, June 10, 2023, at the Riverview Healthcare Center in Flandreau, SD.
Ronald L. Heesch was born June 3, 1932 in Garretson, SD to Julius and Laura (Manor) Heesch. He was raised on the farm near Garretson and graduated from Garretson High School. After graduation Ronald joined the United States Air Force and made it a career. He received training as an aircraft maintenance technician and worked on multiple aircraft. He was most proud of his years as a crew chief aboard a C-130 Hercules aircraft. His military service took him to many places around the world as well as serving in Korea and Vietnam. He retired from the military as a TSGT (E6) in February of 1972.
With his military career behind him, Ronald moved to Seattle, WA and became a lineman for a power company and was a 50-year member of IBEW (International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers). After his second retirement from that line of work he returned to live his elderly years in Sioux Falls to be close to his mother, sisters, and various family members. He greatly enjoyed visiting with people, especially holidays and drop in visits with his nephews around Dell Rapids. He will be greatly missed.
Ron married Carole Johnson in 1964 and together they had one son. He is survived by his son, Ronald E. Heesch of Sioux Falls, SD; brother, Richard (Bud) Heesch of Kingman, AZ; nephews, Dan Heeren and Dathan Heeren, both of Dell Rapids, SD; and numerous other nieces, nephews, and extended family members.
He was preceded in death by his parents, 3 sisters Ramona (Sissy) Stansell, Rose Mary (Rosy) McDowell and Hellen Heeren, 3 brothers Oliver, Raymond and Robert.
A time of visitation was held from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm on Friday, June 16, 2023, at the Minnehaha Funeral Home in Garretson, SD. Burial with military honors followed at Zion Lutheran Cemetery in Garretson.
