Sturgis ~Ronald L. Cooper, 66, of Sturgis, died September 23, 2012, at the Dept. of Veteran Affairs Medical Center, Fort Meade, SD. Ronald grew up in rural South Dakota near Faulkton, SD. He attended grade school in Norbeck, SD and spent the majority of his youth on the baseball field, and developing an avid interest in the Red Sox Baseball team. His love for education and reading were two passions of which he passed on to all of his six children. In 1960 he moved to Bagley, MN where he attended high school. After graduation he attended Bemidji State, where he was drafted into the Army. He served three tours during the Vietnam War and came back a decorated combat veteran. After the war he continued to serve active duty in the Navy. When he finally retired from the military he returned to school and got degrees in Social Science, History, and Nursing. He spent the rest of his life working as a Registered Nurse and supporting his six children as a single father. He was a hero in many respects, and will be missed deeply. Survivors include three sons, Russell Cooper, Brookings, Roger Cooper, Sioux Falls and Bruce Cooper, Custer; three daughters, Alicia Cooper, Rapid City, Ashley Cooper, Spearfish, and Abby Cooper, Hill City; a brother, Roger (Colleen) Cooper, Sturgis; one grandson; two nephews and a niece. He is preceded in death by his parents Russell and Alice Cooper; a sister Darlys, and a infant brother, Bruce. A Memorial Service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, September26, 2012 at Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis, with Chaplain Ralph Vencill officiating. Military honors will be conducted by the Sturgis Veteran's Honor Guard and the South Dakota Army National Guard.