Ronald Jenks

Ronald Jenks, age 70, of Baltic, passed away on Sunday, December 15, 2019, at the Sanford USD Medical Center in Sioux Falls.

Visitation will be from 4:00 PM-6:00 PM Wednesday, December 18, 2019 at the Minnehaha Funeral Home, Baltic with a Celebration of Life to follow at the Baltic American Legion.  A second visitation will be from 10:00 AM to Noon Thursday at the Bittner Funeral Chapel, Mitchell.  As per Ron’s request, casual attire at both locations, please. Burial will be in the Serviceman’s Cemetery, Mitchell following the visitation/luncheon.

Ronald E. Jenks was born August 25, 1949 in Mitchell to parents C. Emery and Fern (Plamp) Jenks.  Attended country school in Davison County, graduated from Mt. Vernon High School and then attended Nebraska Votech.  Ron worked in the commercial refrigeration industry for over 40 years.

Ron entered the United States Navy in October 1969 and served in the Navy Sea Bees until his honorable discharge in January of 1972.

Ron married Mary Pollreisz April 17, 1971 in Ethan, South Dakota.  They lived in Mitchell and Black Hawk, South Dakota, Cherokee, Iowa and the last 21 years in Baltic, SD.

Ron was very active in the community of Baltic.  He held a seat on the city council for 10 years.  In addition, Ron was a member of the American Legion.  He led the fundraising for a veteran’s memorial for the community.  One of Ron’s many talents was woodworking.  Most recently he made beautiful flag boxes for fellow veterans for whom had passed.

If you were lucky enough to know him, you would have had the pleasure to hear his infectious laugh and enjoy his amazing sense of humor.  He knew how to have a great time, but also would be a “rock” for anyone who needed him.  Ron touched many lives without even knowing it.  It was his nature to share his knowledge for others to thrive.  He didn’t need the spotlight, he just wanted to see others excel.

If Ron had a free weekend, you would find him camping and fishing with his wife, Mary.  Ron’s pride and joy were his three children and six grandchildren.  He would measure his success based on their success.

Grateful for having shared his life are his wife, Mary, Baltic; his children, Troy (Toni), Des Moines, Iowa, Travis, Garretson, and Melany (Daryl), Des Moines, Iowa; his grandchildren, Laurel, Luke, Julia, Jagger, Brayden and Cayle; his siblings, Shirley, Phyllis and Don.

He was preceded in death by his parents and an infant brother.