Ronald Scharffenberg

Ronald Walter Scharffenberg was born on September 19, 1942 to Walter Hans and Lillian (Janssen) Scharffenberg in Bridgewater, SD. Ron passed away peacefully on June 17th at Firesteel Memory Care in Mitchell, SD at the age of 82.

Visitation will be from 3-5 pm, Sunday June 22nd, at Zion Lutheran Church of Bridgewater with Masonic Rites to be said 5 pm followed by a prayer service and time of sharing. Funeral Services will be Monday, June 23rd, at the Bridgewater Gymnasium at 10:30 am.

Ron was one of six children and grew up on a farm northeast of Bridgewater. He was baptized, confirmed and became a dedicated member of Zion Lutheran Church. After graduating from Bridgewater High School, Ron served in the Army National Guard from 1961 to 1967, and was stationed in California as a communication support operator during part of that time. Ron married Geraldine Mehlbrech on October 29, 1964. They had 3 daughters: Ronda, Robin, and Rochelle and one son: Ross. Together, they lived in Bridgewater, Cedar Lake (MN), New Prague (MN), and in Canistota prior to operating a dairy farm east of Bridgewater.

Ron was a dairy and crop farmer for many years until retirement. He was extremely involved in the dairy industry as well as his local community. Ron was the representative for the AMPI North Central Region for over 20 years and he and Geri were the North Central Region Outstanding Young Dairy Couple Runners-Up in 1976. Ron also served his community on the Cenex Board, the Bridgewater Jaycees, the Union Township Board, Zion Lutheran Church Council, the Diamond Care Nursing Home Board, the Bridgewater School Board, and was a County Commissioner for McCook County for 8 years. Ron was a member of the Masonic Lodge and always enjoyed volunteering at the Mitchell El Riad Shrine Circus with his fellow Shriners. He also participated in the El Riad Hillbillies and rode in local parades.

Ron enjoyed being active with his family and friends and was never shy to give something a try. He was a determined man and was known to put in practice for his love of bean bags, golf, bowling, billiards, camping, as well as singing and yodeling. All of this was even more special while gathered with his family. He loved a little competition and always looked forward to the South Dakota Senior Games, which he was able to participate in for numerous years. He also took interest in boxing, bowling, and horse racing on TV, and was somehow faithful to the Minnesota Vikings even though a strong number of grandchildren were often rooting against him. He enjoyed supporting the Bridgewater/Emery athletics, serving as a bus driver to events for some years. He made every effort to be in the stands or on the sidelines for as many grandchildren and great grandchildren’s activities as he possibly could.

Ron and Geri enjoyed many trips throughout their years in the dairy industry and in retirement with friends. They enjoyed going on cruises and even were able to take a cruise vacation with their children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren to the Caribbean.

Blessed for sharing in Ron’s life were his children: Ronda (John) Rinehart of Sioux Falls, Robin (Larry) Fales of Canby, MN, Rochelle (Randy) Reider of Mitchell; ten grandchildren: Brittany (Reider) Gades, Amy (Rinehart) Oglesby, AJ Kirby, Amber (Kirby) Haas, Danielle (Rinehart) Svartoien, Derek Schmidt, Jonilyn Rinehart, Brooke (Rinehart) Schilling, Ashley (Schmidt) Patrick, Jordan Rinehart; sixteen great grandchildren: Henry and Eleanor Gades, Jaxton Rinehart and Hazelee and Everlee Oglesby, Jaron and Quinn Haas, Gabrielle, Thomas and Knox Svartoien, Makiya Moore, Parker Schilling, Charlie Patrick, & Natalia and Jaxon Olson and Emma Rinehart; brother Ivan Scharffenberg; special friend Phyllis Deis; his numerous brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, cousins, nieces and nephews.

Ron was preceded in death by his wife Geraldine, son Ross, his parents Walter and Lillian, and his four sisters – Lila Meirose, Donna Presuhn, Colleen Jucht, and Jean Dorale; and Geraldine’s parents Orville & Delores Mehlbrech.