Ronald Elmer Childs

Ron was born in Le Mars, Iowa on October 26, 1946. At age 10, he moved to South Dakota with his father and brother. He graduated from Dell Rapids High School in 1964 and began working for Sweetman Construction building bridges for the Interstate Highway System. He was an avid automotive enthusiast and loved muscle cars and hot rods. He raced motorcycles and even had a short stint as an amateur boxer.

Ron was drafted into the United States Army in 1967 and served as a radio telephone operator (RTO) in the 1st Calvary Division (Airmobile) during the Vietnam War. He was commended for his service and honorably discharged.

After the war, he returned to Sioux Falls, SD, and lived in the Hilltop neighborhood with close friends Bill and Jerry Arneson. He purchased his dream car; a blue 1967 Chevrolet Corvette with a 427 cubic inch engine and 4-speed manual transmission that he and Bill restored from an accident. Soon after, he met Kathy who was in her Junior Year at Augustana College. They married on March 6, 1971, and would spend the next 54 years building their lives together. The couple lived in Sioux Falls and traveled together to different job sites while Ron worked as a Plant Manager for Sweetman Construction completing the interstate corridor bridges across eastern South Dakota.

Upon completion of the Interstate Highway bridge project, Sweetman Construction decided to move the cement plant that Ron managed to Parker, SD to supply concrete to the rural farming communities in the area. The couple relocated to Parker where they would build their home and raise a family. Ron continued to work as a Plant Manager for Sweetman Construction / Concrete Materials for over 33 years. During his career, he served as president of the South Dakota Concrete Association and even won first place in the cement truck rodeo, which is a competitive event where mixer truck drivers showcase their skills in a series of challenges, promoting safety, skill development, and camaraderie.

Ron prided himself on hard work and accomplishing tasks. "Mother Earth" magazine was a source of inspiration for him and he enjoyed gardening, the efficiency of wood-burning heat, and plowing snow as well as helping local farmers and friends. He was good with his hands and a skilled heavy equipment operator. He loved to work in the vegetable garden and elevated lawn care to an artform with his fleet of Dixon riding lawnmowers.

He was a well-respected pillar of the community and proudly served the City of Parker for over 12 years; as a councilman from 1976 to 1980 and later elected mayor from 1980 to 1988. He was also an active member of the Parker Volunteer Fire Department and Grace Lutheran Church.

In 1985, he built a boarding and grooming facility in Parker SD and co-ran it with his wife for 25 years. He participated in many of his wife’s hobbies and although he didn’t ride horses, he taught the ponies how to drive in the pony cart and enjoyed many jaunts around town.

At the end of the day, he could be found sitting at the kitchen table working on a crossword or Sudoku puzzle, reading a Louis L’Amore book, or napping in his Lazy Boy chair with an old John Wayne western movie or football game lulling him to sleep in the background. He enjoyed bowling and played in a league in Parker until the bowling alley burned down. He loved playing cards, and he loved winning, very few could match his skill in a game of Gin Rummy.

Retirement brought a new chapter to Ron and Kathy’s life that began with a move to Longmont, Colorado in 2015. He embraced the adventure and enjoyed exploring new restaurants and activities. He met many new friends and was an active member of Christ Our Savior Church and the Longmont Athletic Club.

In 2018, Ron was diagnosed with inclusion body myositis (IBM), a rare and progressive muscle disorder that causes muscle inflammation, weakness, and atrophy of the skeletal muscles. There is no cure for IBM and treatment options are limited.

Ron was a man of few words, but you always knew where you stood with him. His colorful vernacular, subtle guidance, and life lessons left a lasting impression on family and friends. His wisdom and insights included: check the oil in your vehicle at the beginning of every month, always have gas in your tank, clean as you go, put it back where you found it, always have cash, and save some money for big expenses.

He is survived by his wife Kathy; his children, Meg (John) Heitlinger, James (Lauren), and Curtis; grandchildren Kate, Max and Ayden; and brother Orville. A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, April 9th at 10:00am at Christ Our Savior Lutheran Church, 640 Alpine Street, Longmont, Colorado.

Private interment at Longmont Mountain View Cemetery.