Ronald F. Ruediger, age 76, Spearfish, SD, died on Wednesday, February 1, 2012. He died peacefully, surrounded by his family, where he had been in the daily care of his loving wife, Marilyn for many years. He also was cared for by Dr. Scott Finkbeiner and his nursing staff, the Dorsett Home and Hospice of the Northern Hills.

Visitation will be from 5:00-7:00 P.M. on Friday, February 3, 2012 at Fidler-Isburg Funeral Chapel. A celebration of Ron's life will be held at 9:00 A.M. on Saturday, February 4, 2012 at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Spearfish with Rev. Gene Bauman officiating. Burial will take place at the Milbank Cemetery in Milbank, SD at 12:00 P.M. (CST) on Sunday, February 5, 2012 with Pastor Keith Bicknase officiating.

Ron was born April 12, 1935 to Fred A. and Bernice (Driessen) Ruediger in Twin Brooks, SD. He was baptized and confirmed February 22, 1959 by Pastor C.J. Schleicher at Emanuel Lutheran Church, Milbank. He attended grade school in Twin Brooks, and graduated in 1953 from Milbank High School.

Ron and Marilyn (Willett) were united in Christian Marriage July 26, 1958 by Pastor C. J. Schleicher at Emanuel Lutheran Church, Milbank. They were blessed with three children; David, Darcy and Dawn.

Ron started work as an auto body repairman at Jack's Body Shop, which he would later purchase and become part owner. He continued to work there until 1965 when he began work with Data Incorporated and Prairie States Insurance Company, Sioux Falls, SD as an Insurance Claims Adjuster. He worked there until he suffered a massive stroke in March 1984.

Ron was a member of Emanuel Lutheran Church in Milbank, serving as a youth counselor, Our Redeemer Lutheran in Sioux Falls, St John's Lutheran Church in Groton, SD serving as Sunday School Superintendent and St Paul Lutheran Church in Spearfish serving as a Elder. He set an example of dedication and commitment to the hearing of God's word. As a devoted, loving husband and father, he led his family to faith in the God he loved and trusted.

While in Groton, he was active in Jaycees, later served on the Groton City Council and was appointed to serve as their mayor. He became heavily involved in promoting the sport of snowmobiling for four decades. He formed two snowmobile clubs with memberships over 100 in each club. He was appointed to serve on the Governor's Snowmobile Advisory Council under two Governors, and served on the Black Hills Multiple Use Coalition. Ron helped form the South Dakota Snowmobile Association starting in 1969 where he would later serve as President, Vice President and Director. He received many awards, among them, South Dakota and International Snowmobiler of the Year, induction into both the South Dakota and International and Snowmobile Hall of Fame and was accepted into the Iron Dogs. He enjoyed being Assistant Editor of the S. D. Sno-¬Plainsman along with his wife who was Editor for over twenty years.

Survivors include his wife of 53 years, Marilyn; his children, son, David, Spearfish; daughter, Darcy, and husband, Jon, Sioux Falls; daughter, Dawn, and husband Kord, Spearfish; 6 grandchildren, Chelsea Cassidy, Haylee and Jordyn Goehring, Sioux Falls, Christian, McKenzie and Madyson Pfeifle, Spearfish. He had a great sense of passion and love for his family, especially his grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Lois Griese and brother-in-law, Leon Griese.

The family requests memorials to be designated to St. Paul Lutheran Church, Hospice of the Northern Hills or a charity of ones choice.