Small Town News

Ronald L. Deckert

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Ronald L. Deckert was born Sept. 1, 1942 to Herman and Delila (Ratz-laff) Deckert on a farm near Dolton, S.D. Ron attended Silver Lake Church where he accepted the Lord as his personal Savior.

Ron married ElVera (Hofer) on Aug. 9, 1970 and they shared 39 happy years. They were blessed with two children, Melissa Joan and Darren Jacob.

Dad loved to farm and especially enjoyed working with cattle. He had many years of hard work on the farm until health issues arose. Ron began kidney dialysis in the fall of 1998 and then received a kidney transplant on Oct. 22, 2002. However, the kidney transplant lasted only two years and he was once again on dialysis. Though these health issues were a great burden, he never complained. He disliked spending so much time away from the farm during dialysis days, so he and his children were trained to do home dialysis in order to lessen the time spent away from the farm. Though these treatments were also very tiring, he continued to farm as much as possible with the help of his children.

Darren came home to farm in 2001 and Dad greatly appreciated his help and began to depend on him more and more due to his failing health. Dad continued to farm but what he could do lessened due to doctor appointments and hospital stays. Al-diough Dad was unable to do as much physical work on the farm, he was a great help to Darren and a wonderful mentor to both his children.

Dad gave thanks to the Lord for the many blessings in his life. He took great joy in spending time with family and friends and especially loved family vacations and remembering the good times shared together. Dad enjoyed having a good time but took greater joy in the happiness of his family.

Dad loved his Lord and Savior and greatly depended on him. On March 9, 2010 the Lord gently took Dad home to his glorious heavenly home. Although we miss him, we are so happy he is with the Lord. Dad will be greatly missed but the lessons and love he gave us will be cherished forever.

He leaves to mourn his wife: ElVera (Hofer) Deckert; two children: Melissa Deckert and Darren Deckert; a bromer: Gary and Muriel (Woll-man) Deckert; a sister: Verlyn Deckert; brother-in-law: LaVerne Hofer; as well as many nieces, nephews and friends.

The funeral was held at the Hutter-thal Mennonite Church on Saturday, March 13 with Pastor Todd Jones officiating and Edith Tschetter as organist.



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© 2010 Freeman Courier Freeman, South Dakota. All Rights Reserved. This content, including derivations, may not be stored or distributed in any manner, disseminated, published, broadcast, rewritten or reproduced without express, written consent from DAS.

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