Ronald Christie, 72, of Brookings, passed away on Tuesday, April 16, 2019, at his residence following a courageous battle with cancer.  

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 20, 2019, at the Peace Lutheran Church in Brookings, beginning at 2 p.m.  Burial will take place at the State Veteran’s Cemetery in Sioux Falls upon its completion.  Eidsness Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Ronald David Christie was born on April 26, 1946, in Brookings to Calvin and Dorothy (Nichols) Christie.  He grew up in the Brookings area, and was the oldest of five children.  Among his siblings are Dannie (Nancy) Christie of Brookings, Vickie (Cliff) Jackson of Watertown, MN, Reggie (Lena) Christie of Brookings, and Trudie (Rod) Hersrud of Colman. He graduated from Brookings High School in 1964.

Following graduation, Ron enlisted in the Army, and served his country in the Vietnam Conflict from 1966 until 1967.  He was the first Vietnam Veteran in the nation to receive compensation for pancreatic cancer caused by exposure to Agent Orange.  Ron was a member of the Brookings American Legion for 52 years.

Upon returning home to South Dakota, Ron married Susan Nesson on Oct. 31, 1970, at the Zion Lutheran Church in White, South Dakota. 

Ron worked at South Dakota State University for 30 years, at which time he decided to retire when they refused to give him a diploma.  He served as a firefighter and an EMT for 24 years in White, where he and Sue raised their family.

Ron was an avid motorcyclist, and a member of the Christian Motorcyclist Association.  He would tell people that by belonging to the CMA, he got to do the two things that he loved most-ride motorcycles and tell people about Jesus.  He did both of these very well by ministering in nursing homes around the area, and going on motorcycle runs.  Ron and Sue also found great enjoyment in ministering at local ADVANCE group homes.  He made many friends on his many journeys.  Ron was also a very active member of Peace Lutheran Church in Brookings.

Those honored to have shared his life include his wife, Susan; his daughter, Stephanie Christie, of Brookings; five grandchildren: Amanda (Cody) Doren of Arlington, Kamra Christie (Fiancé Scott Jensen) of Brookings, Jasmine Pieper of Rapid City, Kaden Kilber of Brookings, and Brooklyn Christie of Sioux Falls; and two special goddaughters: Hope Folkens of Brookings, and Alexis Weiner of Madison.

He was preceded in death by his parents; an infant brother, Calvin; his grandparents; and his son, Troy.