Ronald Berens Sr.

Dates

Obituary

Ronald Berens, 80, of Plankinton, SD, passed away peacefully Monday, April 13, 2026, of natural causes, surrounded by the love of his family in Ft Thompson, SD. Funeral Mass will be at 10:30 AM Monday, April 20, at St. John’s Catholic Church in Plankinton. Burial will be at Mizpah Cemetery in Plankinton. Visitation will be Sunday from 5-7:00 PM at the Church with a 6:30 PM Scripture Service. Arrangements by Bittner Funeral Chapel.

Ronald Lee Berens Sr. was born on February 18, 1946, in Mitchell, South Dakota, to Peter and Dalores Berens of Woonsocket. Ron was a longtime resident of Plankinton, South Dakota, a community he deeply loved and faithfully served for decades. Growing up, Ron developed a lifelong love for the outdoors, especially fishing and hunting, passions he generously shared with family and friends throughout his life. He graduated from Woonsocket High School in 1965.

On September 14, 1968, Ron was united in marriage to the love of his life, Carol Krell, at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in White Lake, South Dakota. Together, they built a life centered on family, hard work, and service to others.

Ron began his career in construction, traveling to various places before settling in Wessington Springs, South Dakota, where he proudly served as Chief of Police. In 1978, Ron and Carol moved to Edgemont, South Dakota, where he continued his law enforcement career as Chief of Police. His dedication to protecting and serving his communities left a lasting impact on all who knew him.

In 1996, Ron and Carol made their home in Plankinton, South Dakota, where they purchased and operated the Golden Pheasant Steakhouse. Through this venture, Ron continued to connect with and serve his community, forming lasting friendships along the way.

Ron will be remembered as a strong, devoted, and caring man who placed his family above all else. He was known for his steady guidance, firm values, and unwavering loyalty. He had a way of offering both tough love and steadfast support, always standing up for those he loved.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Carol Berens of Plankinton; his children: Stuart Berens of Mitchell, Nebraska; Ronnie Jr. (Clorissa) Berens of Rapid City, South Dakota; Rochelle (Tony) Remund of Pipestone, Minnesota; Sheryl Lorenzo of Plankinton, South Dakota; and Melissa (Danny) Hutcheson of Elk Point, South Dakota. He will be lovingly remembered by his children, 14 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Ron is preceded in death by his parents, Peter and Dalores Berens; his sister, Sharon (Fritz) Kicker; his brother, Ricky Berens; and his great-grandson, Jax Berens.

Ron’s legacy of strength, service, and deep love for his family will live on in all who knew him. He will be greatly missed and forever remembered.

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