Ronald Campbell
November 5, 1936 ~ September 26, 2014
Served by: Luce, Luze & Reck Funeral Homes
Ronald Dean Campbell, 77, of Miller, passed away peacefully Friday, September 26, 2014 at his home in Miller with Audrey, his loving wife of 57 years, at his side.
Memorial Service was held at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, October 1, 2014 at St. Ann’s Catholic Church, Miller with Father Chester Murtha officiating. Private burial followed at St. Ann’s Cemetery, Miller.
Ron was born on November 5, 1936 in Miller, South Dakota to Jurrus Harold "Dutch" and Anita (Gilchrist) Campbell. He attended Prairie Center country school near Gann Valley, Buffalo County and graduated from Miller High School in 1954. Ron then attended the University of South Dakota and the University of South Dakota School of Law graduating in 1960. During his college years, he was an active member of the South Dakota National Guard. He married his high school sweetheart, Audrey Sommer, on June 8th, 1957. After Ron graduated from law school, he and Audrey lived and worked in several cities in South Dakota before settling in Miller to raise their family in 1967.
Ron was very proud to practice law in Miller and represented Hand County as its State's Attorney for many years. He was later appointed as a Special Assistant Attorney General for the State of South Dakota and served as Chief Legal Counsel for the South Dakota Department of Social Services where, for the next 18 years, he traveled the state prosecuting all types of child abuse crimes. He had jury trials in most every county courthouse in the state. With his deep voice and imposing demeanor, he was a vigorous advocate for those who could not protect themselves. Earlier this year, Ron finally ended his career of public service after serving for 13 years as a Hand County Commissioner, a job that he loved. Ron was a member of the State Bar of South Dakota for over 50 years.
Ron loved hunting, fishing, camping, shooting trap, collecting guns, reading and taking long drives around his family's ranch land in Buffalo County, South Dakota. He was an avid sportsman and enjoyed following the many and varied pursuits of his children and grandchildren. He was a history buff and enjoyed visiting all parts of his beloved state.
Ron is survived by his wife, Audrey; one sister, Karen Brugman of Huron, SD; a son, Jerus (Janelle) of Tea, SD; two daughters, Jodi (Shannon) Schultz of Sioux Falls, SD, and Julie (Tony) Hintgen of Spearfish, SD; and loving grandchildren: Jessica, Jerus "Jake", Alex, Sam, Chelsea, Elizabeth Grace, and Zachary; as well as many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
Ron is survived by his wife, Audrey; one sister, Karen Brugman of Huron, SD; a son, Jerus (Janelle) of Tea, SD; two daughters, Jodi (Shannon) Schultz of Sioux Falls, SD, and Julie (Tony) Hintgen of Spearfish, SD; and loving grandchildren: Jessica, Jerus "Jake", Alex, Sam, Chelsea, Elizabeth Grace, and Zachary; as well as many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Dutch and Anita Campbell; and a special uncle and aunt, Mike and Jean Sisk.
Reck Funeral Home of Miller has been entrusted with Ron’s arrangements.
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Audrey, Our prayers are with you and the family…Dick and Lori
Remembering your father as a big man with a big heart. Thoughts and prayers are with the family during this difficult time.
We are thinking of your family and wish for God’s peace and comfort
Dear Audrey and family,
Sorry to hear about Ron.
We are on a Minn. and Wisconsin trip.
Wish we could be with you Wednesday .
Will send you a card and memorial soon.
You all are in our prayers.
Sincerely, Larry and Kathy
Sending prayers to you and your family!!
Ron will surely be missed!!!
Sincerely
Dawn (Molyneux) Murphy
Sorry to hear about Big Ron’s passing….he was one heckuva a guy!!!! I will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers.
Dan
Dearest Audrey & family,
My heart broke when I heard the news of Ron’s passing. I didn’t realize he had been sick. He was the best boss I ever had or ever will have. I loved working for him except the subject matter. I don’t know how he did it all those years but sure feel honored to get to work with him for a few of them. I had every intention of being there for the memorial service but I hit a dear just east of Philip and couldn’t drive my car any further. By the time I got help and was offered another car, I wouldn’t have made it in time. I’m so sorry. I wanted to say good bye and give you a hug dear Audrey. I’ll never forget when you stopped to see me in Hot Springs at the Post Office. Totally made my summer!!! Charlene Beckett said he’d been sick for a while so he’s now been relieved of pain. God bless you and until I see you again, take care. Love, Marcia
I was a State’s Attorney when Ron was the lawyer for Social Services. He came to Hot Springs and tried a very difficult rape case. I enjoyed his wisdom and wit. He was always available to answer my questions. He was a great lawyer, and his departure from Pierre was a loss for the children of this state.
My sincere sympathy to Ron ‘ s family!
Dear Audrey, Sandy Almond notified us today of Ron’s passing. We are so very sorry. He was a very special person. We just want you to know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and the kids, as well as the rest of your family. Love, Mark and Lynn Dahl
Just wanted anyone, especially Audrey, who loved Ron to know I loved him. I regret not being there for Ron when he moved on to higher ground. He took me under his wing when I was a first year law student over 30 years ago. I still think about Ron.