Ronald L. Heil, 49, Newell, died Wednesday, December 24, 2014 at the Rapid City Regional Hospital.

Known by his best friends as "Homer", Ron was born July 17, 1965 at Sturgis, SD, to Donald J and Hazel A. (Kinney) Heil. He graduated from Newell High School in 1983. After that he went to Mitchell Vo-Tech for auto-mechanics. Ron then came back to Newell where he did various jobs that included ditch-work and mechanic work. Ron would drop everything to lend a hand to those who needed help, but his passion was working with his best friends Al and Les Page at 212-79 Service Center, which he did for 35 years. He could fix anything, especially when it came to mechanics, and would resurrect the oldest cars for Sonja to drive, just to save on the newer cars.

In July 11, 1998, Ron married the love of his life, Sonja L. Roe and on September 20, 2001 they had a daughter, Jessica. She was his pride and joy and he rarely went anywhere without her. He taught Jessica everything she knows (whether or not her mother approved)! Ron, Sonja and Jessica shared a love of horses and enjoyed trail rides and taking Jess to Rodeos. He was especially talented at giving Jessica's horse "Nick" special pep talks before entering the arena.

Ron had many hidden talents. He and his sidekick, Jessica, sang many songs and he taught her several of his favorites like "Come Sail Away", "The Beverly Hillbillies", and the "Rodeo" song. He was quite the cook and unbeknown to many, he wrote poetry. He loved to hunt, fish, tell jokes and to make everything "FUN", especially for those folks that might be having a bad day.

Survivors include his wife Sonja Heil, Newell; daughter, Jessica Heil, Newell; mother, Hazel Heil, Newell; sister, Dawn (Henry) Erk, Rapid City; numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.

Memorial services will be 10:00 a.m. Monday, December 29, 2014 at the Kinkade Funeral Chapel in Sturgis.

A memorial has been established.

Click on link to view service folder