Ronald "Ronnie" Floyd Fees

Ronald "Ronnie" Floyd Fees, 86, Opal, SD, died Tuesday, July 21, 2015, at the Department of Veterans Affairs, Fort Meade.

Ronnie was born July 10, 1929, in Faith, SD, to Floyd and Emily (Hockinson) Fees. He grew up on the ranch at Opal, SD. He attended schools in the Opal area.

Ronnie served in the US Marine Corp actively from 1952 through 1954 during the Korean War. He was honorably discharged from the Reserves in November of 1959. Upon his return, he worked the ranch with his father, later taking it over.

Ronnie met Rose Moelter shortly after his return and they were married May 31, 1956.  They had five children, Connie, David, Cathy, Candi, and Emily.

Ronnie was involved with the Opal Hall and enjoyed being "the cop" at the dances. He was active as a volunteer with the Opal Fire Department and served as Assistant Chief for several years.

Surviving are his children, Connie (Darwin) Hellekson of Philip, SD, David (Carmen) Fees of Opal, SD, Cathy Fees-Oliver of Guthrie, OK, and Candi (Jim) Fees-Davis of Rapid City, SD; grandchildren, Jesi Hellekson (fiancé TJ), Rapid City, SD, Dane Hellekson (fiancée Ashley) Philip, SD, Katrina (Jon) Collins, Faith, SD, Mandi (Cody) Skogen, Opal, SD, Clinton (Amanda) Fees, Summerset, SD, Joshua (Nedra) Fogelman, Mulhall, OK, Zackery (Tabitha) Fogelman, Mulhall, OK, Austin Oliver (fiancée Kristyn), Guthrie, OK, Emily (Jason) Hitchcock, Piedmont, SD, and Cortney Eaton, Rapid City, SD; 12 great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews; and his sister, Darlene Palmer of Aberdeen, SD. He is also survived by his best friend, Cubbi.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Rose; three brothers, Wendell, Byron, and Glen Fees; and his parents, Floyd and Millie.

Visitation was held Monday, July 27th at Kinkade Funeral Chapel in Sturgis.

Funeral services were held Tuesday, July 28, 2015 at the Opal Church in Opal with Pastor Harold Delbridge officiating.  Burial was at Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis with military honors provided by Post 1273 Veterans Honor Guard.

A memorial has been established to the Opal Fire Department.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.kinkadefunerals.com.