Ronald Van Hoorn Sr.

Ronald Van Hoorn Sr., age 66 of Milbank died May 6, 2017, in Roberts County, SD.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, May 11 at 2:00 p.m. at American Lutheran Church in Milbank. Rev. Carl Larson will officiate.

Visitation will be at the church on Wednesday, from 5 – 7 p.m. with a prayer service at 7 p.m. Visitation will continue on Thursday one hour prior to the service.

Military honors will be provided by American Legion, Birch-Miller Post #9, V.F.W. Grant County Post #3486, V.V.A. Northeast SD Chapter #1054, and D.A.V. Chapter #19.

Music will be provided by MacKayla McKinney and Lindsey Geyer. Casket bearers will be: Floyd Hermans, Bernard Hermans, Tony Folk, Todd Sprung, Jim Speidel, Dale Hermans, and Verlyn Pierce. Honorary bearers will be Ron’s grandchildren and great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews; and his siblings.

Ronald Robert Van Hoorn was born December 27, 1950, in Milbank, SD. He was the son of Siebe and Evelyn (DeGreef) Van Hoorn. He was baptized and confirmed at St. Lawrence Catholic Church. Ron grew up in Milbank and graduated from Milbank High School with the Class of 1969.

Ron served in the United States Army, enlisting on July 23, 1969. He served in Vietnam and was honorably discharged on January 25, 1972.

Ron returned to Milbank. He was united in marriage with Sherri D. Amsden on September 29, 1972. After her death in 1986, Ron was united in marriage with Cheryl Pies on June 3, 1989, in Watertown, SD. Ron worked various jobs throughout the years, claiming to be a “jack of all trades.”

His passion was farming. He was a talented welder and truck driver. He did it all! Ron had a kind heart and enjoyed teaching and mentoring others. He loved life and was especially proud of his family and cherished time spent together.

Ron was a life member of V.V.A. Chapter #1054; a life member of D.A.V. Chapter #19; a member of American Legion, Birch-Miller Post #9; a life member of V.F. W. Grant County Post #3486; and a very loyal D.A.V. driver.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Cheryl of Milbank, SD; children: Corrina (Johnny) Brown of Brandt, SD; Kerry (Matt) Harr of Aberdeen, SD; Ron (Jamie) Van Hoorn Jr. of Milbank, SD; Dan (Michelle) Van Hoorn of Milbank, SD; stepchildren: Rita Geyer of Milbank, SD; Lynn (Chad) Wientjes of Milbank, SD; Jenny Wellnitz of Milbank, SD; Robert Wellnitz of Milbank, SD; 24 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren; 10 siblings: Gerry Martell of Watertown, SD; Norma (Larry) Peters of Milbank, SD; Richard (Doris) Van Hoorn of Texas; Susan (Jack) Hippen of Milbank, SD; Jim (Dorothy) Van Hoorn of Estelline, SD; Fred (Phyllis) Van Hoorn of Milbank, SD; Eileen (Rich) Olson of Colorado; Patty (Brian) Hill of Savage, MN; John (Kathy) Van Hoorn of Willmar, MN; and Joe (Barb) Van Hoorn of Minneapolis, MN.

He was preceded in death by his parents; first wife, Sherri; and one son, Walter.