Ronald I. Faust
April 27, 1948 ~ January 16, 2012
Ron Faust, 63, of Dell Rapids, SD, died Monday, January 16, 2012, at Avera McKennan Hospital, in Sioux Falls, SD after a long, courageous battle with cancer.
Memorial services for Ron will be held on Sunday, April 29th at 2 PM at Palisades State Park in rural Garretson.
Ron was born on April 27, 1948 to Elmer and Lydia (Matchette) Faust in Allentown, PA. He was the youngest of three children and was educated and graduated from Catasauqua High School in 1966. Ron attended Penn State University for three years before he received a notice from Uncle Sam to serve his country in Viet-Nam. Instead, Ron enlisted in the Air Force and became an Electronics Warfare Specialist. Ron also married his sweetheart, JoAnn Ruth, in 1970, in Schoenersville, PA and promptly took her on a trip around the world. During his tenure, Ron served in Korea, Japan, Okinawa, Biloxi, Mississippi, Great Falls, Montana, and Dallas, Texas. Upon leaving the military, their travels took them to Fairbanks, Alaska, England, Omaha, Nebraska, and back to Fairbanks, Alaska.
In 1998, Ron took a position with the USGS Earth Resources Observation & Science (EROS) Center and they relocated to Sioux Falls and then to Dell Rapids, SD.
Ron loved to travel and was a great lover of the out doors and nature. He took time to appreciate it. Gazing at the stars next to a fire pit with a glass of fine wine or scotch and a cigar was one of his passions. He loved the Black Hills of South Dakota and camping or hiking were some of his favorite pastimes. Ron also enjoyed music, photography, reading, writing and philosophizing as well as studying people. He loved his work and the people he worked with. He liked to engage people in deep conversations and find out what they were passionate about. Ron also developed an admiration of the Crazy Horse Memorial and the family involved in its creation. He made connections with the creator and shared in the philosophy behind the Project.
Ron will be deeply missed by his wife and best friend; JoAnn, of Dell Rapids, SD, his brother; Roger (Brenda) Faust, Germansville, PA, his sister; Judy Parsons, Kingman, AZ, nine nieces and nephews, eleven great nieces and nephews, and one great-great niece.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother-in-law, Max Parsons.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Crazy Horse Memorial, 12151 Avenue of the Chiefs, Crazy Horse, SD, 57730-8900.
JoAnn,
We are sad to hear the passing of Ron.
I remember fondly of dinners in Fairbanks and Pasadena. His passion for good food and good wine. We will miss his writings. We will miss him.
Regards,
— David Cuddy
So sorry to hear about Ron’s passing. He must have put up a good fight.
Even though I haven’t talked to him for a long time, it seems like just yesterday that we were having dinner, and working those long hours at the ASF.
eugene
JoAnn
I was sorry to read in our local paper today of Ron’s passing.
Although its been 45 years since I last saw Ron at “Catty High”, I’ve thought of him many times over the years. I’ll always remember the good times that we had in high school, and I’m sure you will cherish all the wonderful years that the two of you had together.
Al Landis
Dear Joann,
We are so sorry to hear of Ron’s passing. As a reminder, we are the couple you stored your camper with for years. Even though we did not get to know you both personally, we do know that you both had a very interesting and enjoyable life together and now you have many glorious memories to cherish. Take care – our thoughts are with you.
Although our discussions were few and far between, typically at Box & Barrel while enjoying a cigar and beverage, Ron made a lasting impression on me. I will miss him and the joy of life that he possessed.
Peace be with you,
John Nordlie
I am so sorry to hear about Ron’s passing.
Reading his story, I forgot that he was in Vietnam but I remember how he loved living in Alaska in those dinners when I was in the Fairbanks winters.
Quyen Nguyen
I am saddened by Ron’s passing. I know he is at a better place working on the many things he did not finish here on earth.I have many fond memories of Ron in his younger years growing up from high school, Penn State, Air Force, and his marriage to Jo-Ann. He came from a great family. To Jo-Ann- Be strong during this time of sorrow but rejoice in the thought that one day we all will be re-united with him again. God Bless Howard Sechler,Leesburg, Fl.
JoAnn,
My thoughts and prayers are with you. I am so thankful I was able to see you both not long ago. I will always cherish the friendship we had, the fun times at the Feast of the Great Chefs. May peace be with your family at this time. Loving memories. Kori
I just learned of Ron’s passing…I am so sorry to hear this and want you to know you are in my prayers. Ron was from the “old neighborhood” and I have many fond memories of the time spent at Howertown and Mulberry Sts. May He Rest In Peace… Barbara Seng-Shindel Catasauqua, Pa.
JoAnn- We just heard about Ron’s passing and are so sorry for your loss. From what we knew of him (and you) during your visits at Big Pine Campground, he was a good man. May you have comfort in your memories of your life together. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. Glenn and Marcy, Big Pine Campground, Custer, SD
Although, I haven’t seen Ron or Joanne for many years, his Christmas letters came
faithfully every year and I wondered why I did not get one this year. He was a good
man with a fine family background. His mom and dad were one of the nicest people
I had ever known. My prayers are with Joanne.
Losing someone is never easy – but hopefully your memories will bring you comfort and you will find peace in knowing that Ron is no longer suffering from the cancer. My deepest sympathy to you and your extended family.
Joann, I just learned of Ron’s passing. And sadden to hear this news. I missed seeing you both at replay for life. I have not been in touch with anybody since 2008 and only return to Sioux falls once in a while. I work in MN as a Vet. Ron put up a good fight. I was at the last relay for life and was told by Carla that Ron’s cancer had returned, I was hoping to see you both there.
I hope you are well and getting through this. Thinking of you. 🙁
Belated condolences.
I hadn’t kept in touch with Ron after he left Fairbanks but he came to mind tonight and I asked a mutual friend how he was doing. I’m deeply saddened to hear of his passing.