Ronny “Ron” Lou Gillespie
March 2, 1959 ~ January 27, 2026
Ronny “Ron” L. Gillespie, 66, Sioux Falls, SD, was called home by God on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, at Sanford USD Medical Center in Sioux Falls.
Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, February 13, 2026, at the South Dakota Veterans Cemetery in Sioux Falls. A Celebration of Life will be held immediately afterwards at 808 W. Holly Boulevard, Brandon (Risty Farm).
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to a GoFundMe in Ron’s name by clicking HERE.
Ronny “Ron” Lou Gillespie was born on March 2, 1959, in Sioux Falls, SD, to Roger and Verda (Powers) Gillespie. He graduated from Brandon Valley High School in Brandon, SD and shortly thereafter joined the US Marine Corps.
Shortly after Ron’s father’s death in 1985, Ron purchased the home in Rowena, SD that his father and mother had been renting. Ron then looked after his ill mother until her death a decade later. Sadly, his mother’s death, living alone, and hard economic times, ushered in a brief era of depression and alcoholism for Ron. This, in conjunction with his diabetes, took a toll on Ron’s body, including loss of limb, neuropathy, vision and hearing impairments, none of which stopped him. Despite his health setback almost two decades ago, unlike his father, Ron conquered his alcoholism and depression and remained alcohol and drug free for the last 16-17 years of his life! Despite ever worsening disabilities, Ron never gave up or went without at least working part-time. He fiercely cherished his independence.
Ron, a disabled veteran, was a dedicated blue-collar man, who served in various janitorial, custodial and maintenance capacities for several local businesses.
Ron loved the great outdoors, especially fishing, boating, and motorcycling. Ron was the kind of person who would give you the shirt off his back and his last dollar.
Ron resided in Sioux Falls area his entire life and he enjoyed a group of fellow apartment residents, which he warmly called his friends.
Ron relinquished his physical life on January 27, 2026. His physical death occurred while in the ICU at the Sanford USD Medical Center in Sioux Falls. Since just before Christmas, Ron had been suffering from chronic infection and acute delirium. He was a believer in Jesus Christ, and is now free of pain, suffering, and sorrow, and is face to face with God.
Ron is survived by his siblings, Irene (Jerry) Pease, Astoria, SD, David Gillespie, Brant Lake, SD, Linda (Kenny) Larson, Surprise, AZ, and Deb (Dan) Risty, Brandon, SD; and a plethora of cousins, nieces, and nephews whom all loved him.
Ron was preceded in death by his parents, Roger Lee Gillespie and Verda Irene Gillespie.
‘Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.’ ~ Matthew 5:4
“Death is not the end, but the beginning of everlasting life.”
‘Absent from the body, present with the Lord.’ ~ 2 Corinthians 5:8
Ron will be missed. In his honor, we ask all to walk by faith, not by sight. Ron, we will see you later.
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