Ronald "Ronnie" Racicky
Ronald “Ronnie” Dean Racicky, was born on March 3, 1947 to Edward “Whitey” and Marcil “Tootie” Racicky in Central City, Nebraska. In Ronnie’s early years, Whitey’s construction job led the family to New Underwood. When the job called for another move, Ronnie at the age of 12 and with approval from his family decided to remain here with Gene and Zella Swanson. In high school Ronnie was a member of the New Underwood basketball and football teams. He also rodeoed riding bare backs and bulls and was a steer wrestling state high school national qualifier.
After graduating high school, he enlisted in the Navy and volunteered for submarine duty from the years of 1968-1970. His years were aboard the submarine “The Benjamin Franklin” where Ronnie’s nickname was “The Bull”. He would be under 3 months and above for 3 months patrolling between Pearl Harbor and Guam. He was very proud of being a part of the silent service as his tattoo read “Run Silent Run Deep”.
After his service he had a combine and did custom work. In 1972 he started Racicky Plumbing and Ditching. In 1990, Ronnie and Joan bought the historic lumber yard from Earl Burnham which they operated for ten years. Ronnie’s hands reflected the hard work over the years. After 50 years he proudly watched his Grandson Jesse continue with the Racicky Ditching business.
During his time in New Underwood, he met the love of his life Joan Tines Reichert and they spent 40 years of their lives together. Ronnie welcomed Joan’s children DeLynn and Monte with open arms. From this a beautiful family was created with grandkids and great grandkids. Ronnie was one of the hardest working men but never missed an opportunity to spend time with his family.
Community was a big part of Ronnie’s life with him serving 50 years with the New Underwood Fire Department and 38 years as Fire Chief. He was a member of the American Legion, United States Submarine Veterans, Western South Dakota Buckaroos, Saddle Tramp Association, Boy Scout Troop #29 Leader, Labor Day Committee, Hunter Safety Course Instructor, and girls’ softball coach. His hobbies included hunting, fishing, scuba diving, being the Captain of the Bottom Scratcher Pontoon, and come branding season you could always find him with a sharp knife in his hand.
Ronnie was the recipient of American Red Cross Gold Award, Good Neighbor Award, and American Institute for Public Service Jefferson Award.
Ronnie is survived by his wife Joan, children DeLynn Willis (Jim Stratman) Monte Reichert (Loni), grandkids Marissa Duprel (Jake), Lacey Dickschat (Emmit), Radley Reichert, Jesse Willis (Bella), Sadie Tisdale (Jackson), Jordan Siefers (Kyle), Cassidy Wientjes (Reese), Great Grandchildren Abby, Taylee and Kaydee Duprel, Addie and Hayes Dickschat, Carter and Noah Tisdale, and Wilder Wientjes, Sisters Ann Vaughn (Fred), Ruby Whitsitt (Steve), Joanie Jacobs (Jake), Brother in law Lowell Fairchild, several nieces and nephews, and special family members Marlene Swanson and Steve Swanson (Laurie).
He was preceded in death by his parents, Whitey and Tootie and his sister Carolyn Fairchild.
He will always be remembered for his handshakes, hugs and being the best Grandpa and Great Grandpa ever!
A memorial has been established.
Funeral Services will be at New Underwood School at 1:00 PM on Friday October 4th, 2024.
Arrangements are under the care of Kirk Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Rapid City.
