Ron G. Heller, 52, of Brandon, SD passed away Sunday, November 5, 2023 after a short, courageous battle with cancer at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls, SD. He was surrounded by his loving family. Visit www.georgeboom.com for a complete obituary and online guestbook.
Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 AM Friday, November 10, 2023, at Risen Savior Catholic Church in Brandon, SD. Visitation will be on Thursday, November 9 at George Boom Funeral Chapel in Brandon, where the family will greet friends from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM.
Ronald Gene Heller was born to Leonard and Arlene (Kramer) Heller on February 22, 1971, in Emmetsburg, IA. Ron grew up near Terril, IA, and graduated from Terril High School in 1989. While in high school, Ron was very active in sports. He played football, basketball, and was on the track team. After high school, he enlisted in the United States Air Force. During his 20 years in the service, he was stationed at several bases across the United States as well as in other countries. In 2000, he was deployed to Kuwait and Saudi Arabia. First, in support of Southern Watch and Enduring Freedom. And then later, he served in Operation Iraqi Freedom. He served in Intelligence Operations and achieved the rank of Master Sergeant. He received several distinguished awards. While in the service, Ron also received his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Intelligence Studies and his Master of Arts Degree in Management. He graduated with honors.
In 2021, Ron decided to come out of retirement and started his own business – Borderline Butchering, LLC. He loved making his signature beef sticks and jerky. He was very proud of his business and enjoyed all the friendships he made with local farmers and customers.
Ron was an avid hunter and fisherman. He also enjoyed ice fishing and looked forward to going on trips with his friends. He loved to make his own wine and beer. In 2023, he even started to sell his craft beers at Borderline Butchering.
Ron was united in marriage with Kari Kirkeby on September 29, 2007, in Brandon, SD. The couple made their home in Brandon where they raised their two children, Ella & Brielynn. Ron loved his family very much. He enjoyed fishing and camping with his girls, teaching them how to throw and play catch, and having movie night on Sundays. He was very proud of his family.
Grateful for having shared his life are his loving wife, Kari, his children Sara Vig and her husband Garrett, Mud Butte, SD, Ella Heller, Brielynn Heller; one grandson, Nolan Vig; four sisters, Tammy Brant and her husband Al, Garner, IA, Sandy Enderson and her husband Todd, Esterville, IA, Sue Wilburn and her husband Walt, Seneca, SC, Amy Bunkofske and her husband Derek, Milford, IA; four brothers, John Heller and his partner Trisha Booth, Milford, IA, Will Heller and his wife Jennifer, Clear Lake, IA, Tom Heller and his wife Bethany, Mason City, IA, and Lee Heller and his wife Jenni, Alleman, IA; several nieces and nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, and many friends.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents Raymond and Loretta Kramer, Harry and Clara Heller, and his father-in-law, James Kirkeby.
