Ronald Leonard Gottschalk, age 87, passed away on Saturday, August 1, 2026, in Canton, South Dakota. Private services have been held.

Ronald was born on August 11, 1937, to Margaret and Leonard Gottschalk in Waseca, Minnesota.

When Ronald was 11, the family moved to Sioux Falls, South Dakota. He graduated from Washington High School in 1955. Following high school, he worked a variety of jobs. He worked for Brown and Saenger for 4 years, Jay-Shon Chevy for 12 years, Billion Oldsmobile for 12 years, and finally Vern Eide, where Ronald worked for 22 years until his retirement in 2007.

He was united in marriage to Shirley J. (Schmidt) Gottschalk on December 28, 1963, in Sioux Falls, SD. The couple was blessed with two children, Scott and Kristina, both of Sioux Falls, SD.

Ronald enjoyed playing golf, watching Twins games, and spending time with his grandchildren.

Ronald is survived by his son, Scott Gottschalk; daughter, Kristina Gottschalk; brothers, Gary and Bob(Linda) Gottschalk; and grandchildren, Nicholas and Jacob Havermann, all of Sioux Falls, SD.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Shirley, and parents, Leonard and Margaret Gottschalk.