Ronald Lenard Baumgard, 80, of Sioux Falls, SD, passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 22, 2026, at Sanford Medical Center, surrounded by the love of his family.
Ron was born onApril 7, 1946, in Worthington, MN, the son of Herbert and Grace (Scotting) Baumgard. He grew up in the Worthington community, where he made lifelong memories and graduated from Worthington High School with the Class of 1964. Keenly feeling a sense of duty to his country, Ron enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1965. He served with honor and dedication until his honorable discharge in 1969, carrying the values of discipline and service with him throughout his entire life.
While serving his country, Ron married Marcia Rae Holtrop, on June 7, 1967, Worthington, MN. Together, they shared 59 beautiful years of marriage, built on a foundation of love, partnership, and deep devotion. Their family grew along their journey; they welcomed their first daughter, Renee, during Ron’s time in the Air Force. Following his military discharge, the young family moved to Moorhead, MN, where they were blessed with their second daughter, Melissa. They later returned to Fulda, MN, completing their family with the birth of their cherished son, Ryan. In 2018, Ron and Marcia relocated to Sioux Falls. A mechanic by trade, Ron possessed an innate talent for understanding how things worked. He spent many years working as an auto and diesel mechanic. Later in his career, he brought his extensive automotive knowledge to O’Reilly Auto Parts, where he worked as an auto parts delivery specialist. Ron was a dedicated and familiar face there for 15 years, finally retiring at the age of 78.
Beyond his profession, cars were Ron’s lifelong passion. He spent countless hours in his spare time tinkering under hoods, talking shop, and discussing restored classic vehicles. His hands were rarely clean. Above all his hobbies, however, Ron’s greatest joy was his family. He was a steady, loving presence as a husband, father, and grandfather.
Ron is survived by his wife of 59 years, Marcia Baumgard of Sioux Falls; his daughter, Renee (Darrell) Gleason of Currie, MN; his son, Ryan (Robyn) Baumgard of Norfolk, NE; his son-in-law, Eric Williams of Sioux Falls; and four cherished grandchildren: Carter, Kylie, Karsyn Baumgard, and Cailin Williams. He is also survived by his brothers, Leroy (Janice) Baumgard and Terry (Marlene) Baumgard, his brother-in-law Gene Holtrop, and sisters-inlaw Marilyn Jiskoot and Glenda Holtrop.
Ron was preceded in death by his daughter, Melissa Williams, his grandson, Tyler Newville; his parents, Herbert and Grace; his brother, Dale Baumgard; his brothers-in-law, Lee Holtrop and Rod Jiskoot.
A private family memorial service will be held. For more information please visit www. MillerFH.com
