Ronald James Walter, age 74, of Hitchcock, passed away Friday, July 3, 2020, at Sanford Aberdeen Medical Center, Aberdeen SD. Ronnie lost his battle to cancer but was dedicated to being cured through his illness. His daughter and son-in-law were with him when he passed. He fought a strong and courageous battle fighting multiple cancers until his last breath on July 3rd.  He was never once weak in his battle, but faced each day that he was alive and would make the most of his day even if he didn't feel very good.

His funeral service was held at 11:00 AM, Saturday, August 1st at the United Methodist Church at Hitchcock, with military honors.

Ronald James was born September 1, 1945, to William P. Walter and Lena Ruby (Tschetter) Walter Hoelzel Hansen (united in marriage on June 23, 1940). He was one of three boys, the middle child. Lynn was his older brother and Darwin, his younger brother. His father, William died unexpectedly on February 12, 1961, Ron was just 15 and helped with the family farm in Hitchcock until he graduated. He graduated from Hitchcock High School on May 22, 1964.

In grade school, he survived rheumatic fever. During high school, he played basketball, and was involved in softball, track, a member of the annual staff and even the class play. He was also a king candidate. According to the Hitchcock Jaywalker 1964 yearbook, the BlueJays took the BCC Tournament Crown, three successive baskets by Ronald Walter, Richard Rathjen and Ken Anderson widened the lead as the quarter ended for the win.

He was drafted and began his service with the United States Army on October 19, 1965. He was transported on the USNS General W.H. Gordon (since retired and scrapped) that took him across the pond to Vietnam where his platoon were based. He was a 5th Class Specialist which was equivalent to a Sergeant, but that class has since been retired.

He was never given any formal training for the artillery he used in the United States before deployment. His first day of duty he was fired upon, however, since he was not given authorization to shoot, he was not able to return fire, but had to take cover in the patties. He served 90 days in the jungle and the remaining service as a mechanic in Vietnam. He received the following Medals of Honor upon discharge: National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Sharpshooter (Rifle M14), Vietnam Campaign Medal and Combat Infantryman Badge. They offered him a return tour and a military career but he declined.

Upon his honorable discharge from the service on September 5, 1967, he spent a few days in Hawaii and then lived in Washington State for several years. He worked for Boeing airlines as a mechanic before returning home to Hitchcock, SD.

He was a member of the Huron VFW and the American Legion.

He married Shirley Paye on December 11, 1973, in the American Lutheran Church in Huron, SD. From this union they had one child Tasma (July 6, 1973). They separated and later divorced on June 30, 1980.

Ronnie enjoyed fishing and would often frequent Diversion Dam and Lake Byron. He was very good at playing pool and enjoyed a challenging game and was known to win a few dollars. He enjoyed snowmobiling with his friends when he was younger. He also loved to hunt and would usually slay a deer every year. He had a pheasant cleaning business for several years and enjoyed when people would hunt with him. He had hoped to do one last hunt with his son-in-law and grandson to have a three-generation hunt. He was not fond of people that trespassed and would often follow them with his engine revving if he felt they were not where they should be. He enjoyed his deer chops and fish frys. He loved to have a garden and would often share his produce. He made salsa in which he never ate but gave to others. He had a love of dogs but was not a fan of cats. He enjoyed watching Jeopardy, Two and a Half Men, Mountain Men, Gunsmoke, and any western that was on TV and enjoyed the character, Festus.

Ronnie enjoyed mostly country music and was known to sing to the Statler Brothers on Saturday mornings back in the day. In later years, he enjoyed weekend coffee with his good friends, Karen "Blondie" and Lance and their dog, Cesar.

Ronnie was an avid basketball fan, so when Covid cancelled this year's High School State tournament and March Madness, he was disappointed.

Ronnie was honored, along with other Beadle County Veterans who proudly served in the military, on May 25, 2009, at the Multi-War Veterans Memorial in Huron. His name plaque was added later along with other soldiers of Beadle County as they could not complete the entire memorial before the dedication. His name can be found on the right wing.

Ronnie is survived by daughter, Tasma Paye-Wilke "Taz" and her husband, Patrick. His grandchildren, Alison June Wilke (William Herzog), Bradley James Craig Wilke, and Caleigh Elizabeth Wilke, all of Murdock, MN. His unborn great-grandson due this October 2020. His brother, Lynn and sister-in-law, Alice Walter; their child, William (Bill) Walter and his wife, Marsha; great-niece, Abigail "Abi" and great-nephew, Gustaf "Gus". His brother, Darwin Walter. His ex-wife, Shirley (Paye Walter) Evans. His beloved, rat terrier, Pepper "Pepperoni". He is also survived by many friends and neighbors that have blessed him over the years.

He was preceded in death by his father, William P. Walter (Feb 12, 1961), his mother, Lena Ruby Walter Hoelzel Hansen (March 25, 1997); and his step-father, Carl Hoelzel (December 18, 1981). Also, by many aunts and uncles and friends and neighbors. In addition, he was preceded in death by his favorite labs, Lucky and Cocoa.

Ronald Walter's Floral Arrangements