After a life of love and quiet grace, Ronnie Schulte, 73, of Parker, SD has passed.
The chapters of his life were many; these are some of them.
The story begins in 1952, in Sioux Falls, with the arrival of a life that would be cherished by many.
Ronnie held deeply to the Methodist faith — and was, by all accounts, loved by those who knew him best.
Some find their compass in faith. Ronnie was among them.
Ronnie Schulte, 73 of Parker, passed away on April 12, 2026 at the Sanford USD Medical Center, Sioux Falls. Funeral Service will be at 10:00 AM Saturday, April 25, 2026 at the Parker United Methodist Church. Visitation will be from 5:00-7:00 PM Friday, April 24, 2026 at Hofmeister-Jones Funeral Home. Arrangements Provided by Hofmeister-Jones Funeral Home.Ronnie Craig Schulte, of Parker, South Dakota, passed away on April 12, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family. Born on June 17, 1952, in Sioux Falls, Ronnie grew up on his family's farm near Monroe, where he learned the values of hard work, humility, and doing every job with pride. Ronnie graduated from Parker high school in 1971.After moving to Parker, Ronnie built a life rooted in family, community, and dedication. He raised his three boys there, teaching them the same work ethic, grit, and good humor he carried throughout his life. Ronnie devoted more than 40 years to the Turner County Highway Department, eventually retiring as Superintendent. Whether he was out on the roads or helping a coworker, he was known for doing things right and doing them well. Ronnie served his community as a member of the Parker Fire Department from 1983 – 1996. He was accomplished in karate, earning the rank of 3rdDegree Black Belt in Shotokan, traveled the country for competition tournaments, and served as an instructor in Parker. Ronnie loved spending time outdoors, riding his side‑by‑side, and sitting outside taking in the day. His neighbor family meant the world to him, and he cherished the friendships built just across the street. He had a gift for conversation and a sense of humor that made everyone feel welcome. Ronnie loved giving people a hard time in the funniest, most good‑natured way — the kind of teasing that came from a place of affection. His warmth, his laugh, and his steady presence made him someone people naturally gravitated toward. Ronnie is survived by his children: Jason (Chrystal) Schulte, Eric Schulte (Breann), and Brian (Megan) Schulte, all of Parker. He is also survived by his grandchildren — Mya, Alyssa, Jillian, Landin, and Everly — who were the joy of his life. Additional survivors include his brother‑in‑law and sister‑in‑law, Mel and Mary Ann Johnson of Wisconsin, brother-in-law Donald Nelson of Arizona, along with his nieces, nephews, and neighbors who held a special place in his heart. Ronnie is preceded in death by his father, mother, and sister. He was loved by all who knew him, and his legacy of kindness will live on in the many lives he touched.
