It is with an extremely heavy heart that I write this post. My dearly beloved husband of forty-two years, Ron Switzer, passed away early in the morning on July 16 from complications brought on by interstitial lung disease and pulmonary fibrosis. He fought a valiant fight since August of 2019, but in the end, it was his heart that gave out.
Life will never be the same without Ron, but I am comforted by the assurance that he is in the loving care of our Father in heaven. Ron wanted everyone to know that he had deep faith in this assurance and was at peace with God’s plan.
Ron dearly loved our two children and their families and did all he could to ensure their well being. They, in turn, have been a huge support to me, helping in any way they can. It’s such a blessing to have them living close by.
Ron touched so many lives. He was so grateful, as am I, for all his friends, extended family and all those he worked with in the cattle industry and investigation business. Thank you for being such a cherished part of our lives.
May the peace of Christ be with you today and always.
Obituary
Ron was born on September 26, 1957 in Sioux City, Iowa to Ray E. and Mary Ellen Switzer. At a young age, he learned to work hard by helping to maintain their family’s multi-acre property. He did find time for some fun activities such as showing 4H cattle and riding snowmobiles and horses. One of the highlights of his youth was spending the summers at his family’s home on Lake Okoboji in northwest Iowa.
Ron graduated from East High School in 1976. In the spring of his junior year, he started “going out” with Laura, the love of his life. They were married on May 10, 1980. Ron graduated from Washington State University in January of 1981. Following graduation, he embarked upon a diverse and successful career in the cattle industry.
It was with great joy that Ron and Laura welcomed their son, Kurtis, to the world in November of 1985 and their daughter, Lynn, in April of 1988. Ron and Laura moved their family to Rapid City in August of 1995.
Ron developed an interest in law enforcement and became a reserve officer for the Rapid City police department. His law enforcement experience was a valuable asset when he opened a private investigation company, Discovery Investigations, in 2008.
Ron will always be remembered as a loving and devoted husband, father and grandfather. Providing for his family was his top priority. He enjoyed playing golf and fishing. He put in lots of effort while developing his 14-acre parcel of land near town where he planned to train therapy horses. Toward the end of his life, Ron and Laura adopted a dog that they could train to provide comfort to residents of care facilities, such as nursing homes or our local hospice house.
In February of 2020, Ron was diagnosed with a progressive lung disease. He fought a valiant fight with Laura serving as his unwavering caregiver. Ron often expressed his thankfulness for the quality time his illness afforded him to spend with Laura. Although Ron always had a relationship with Christ, this chapter of his life brought a new perspective and a deeper understanding of his faith. The peace that came upon him and his trust concerning God’s plan was an inspiration to many.
Ron is survived by his wife, his children Kurtis (Sara) Switzer, Lynn (Kyle) Grauman, grandchildren, Elsa, Iris, Coen, Anders and Ronin and step-grandchildren, Serena and Bae. He also is survived by his brother, Doug (Laura) Switzer, many cousins, nieces, nephews, brothers and sisters-in-law and a multitude of friends and business associates/friends.
Ron was preceded in death by his parents and granddaughter, Willow.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Ronald’s name to Monument Health’s Hospice House, 224 Elk Street, Rapid City, SD 57701.
Celebration of Life Services will be held at First Congregational Church on Saturday, August 20, 2022 at 4:00pm.
Family and friends may sign Ronald’s online guestbook at www.kirkfuneralhome.com To plant Memorial Trees in memory of Ronald Lee Switzer, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.
