Ronald William Callies, 84 of Spearfish, South Dakota, passed away on November 19, 2020 at Avantara Nursing Home in Rapid City, South Dakota.

Ronald William Callies was born on April 3, 1936, to Carl and Bertha (Zieman) Callies. Ron grew up in Sioux Falls, SD, and graduated from Washington High School in 1954. He joined the U.S. Army and served for three years in VA. He attended college after returning home. He worked for John Morrell Meat Packing Plant for nine years before joining the South Dakota Highway Patrol in 1963 and relocated to Spearfish, SD. He was a very fair and good officer…with a lot of stories to tell. He trained in Quantico, VA, which is now part of the FBI National Academy. He was on the Highway Patrol Pistol Team and enjoyed traveling to all of the different competitions. Many trophies were won, and even more when Dorothy and Ron joined as a team shooting together at the SD Peace Officer Conventions.

On December 16, 1972, Ron and Dorothy were married and had four girls, Kellie, Michele, Kathie, and Shannon. They made their home in Salem, SD. Being the only man in a house full of women, the poor man found that their 1-bathroom house was a bit of a challenge when he was called out to an emergency and needed to use it!

Ron loved hunting and fishing. Turkeys, deer, and geese never stood a chance as he was an excellent marksman. He was a good provider for his family.

Ron retired from the Highway Patrol in 1984 and joined Rain and Hail Insurance Company, where he worked for 21 years. He enjoyed the outdoors and visiting with all of the farmers. He loved playing cards with the guys and boardgames with his family. He was a true force to be reckoned with!

Grateful for having shared in his life are his wife, Dorothy; daughters, Kellie (Kevin) Spaans of Salem, SD, Michele (Terry) Spaans of Rapid City, SD, Kathie (Rod) Burmeister of Sioux Falls, SD, and Shannon (Jaime) Owsley of Sylva, NC. Ron is also survived by this brother, DeWayne (Fuzzy) Callies of Sioux Falls, SD; and sister Lois (Floyd) Haeuszer of Cannon Falls, MN; 11 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren with another due in February; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Calvin, Richard, and Clifford; sisters, Rhoda Faber, Shirley Herndon, Irene Wheelock, and Margaret Faber; and many dear friends.

In the dashes between the born and deceased dates, Ron lived life to the fullest. He was a good son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, friend, and all-around man. The memories that we have of him will help us live the rest of our lives without him. Because of his true faith, we know that God is now holding Him in the palm of His hand.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, private family funeral services will be held on Monday, November 23, 2020 at Fidler-Isburg Funeral Chapel in Spearfish, South Dakota. Interment with military honors will be at Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis, South Dakota.

Arrangements are under the care of the Fidler-Isburg Funeral Chapels and Isburg Crematory of Spearfish. Online condolences may be written at www.fidler-isburgfuneralchapels.com