Ronald Gene Van Beek, 82, passed away Tuesday, September 26, 2023, at Monument Health Hospital in Rapid City.

Services will be held at 11 am, Saturday, October 7, 2023, at the Midtown Church in Rapid City. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. Burial will immediately follow at the New Underwood Cemetery in New Underwood.

He was born on March 31, 1941, in Westfield, North Dakota to John and Florence (Heun) Van Beek. Ron grew up on the farm in Westfield and graduated from High School in Pollock, South Dakota. He married Sharon Kramer on July 14, 2001, in Rapid City.

Ron moved to Rapid City to find employment shortly after graduating from high school. He began working on a construction crew building the missile silos in the area. God blessed Ron with many talents that he would use in his other jobs over the years. He did everything from operating heavy equipment, carpentry, electrical and plumbing jobs, and mechanical work. He worked at Uncle Milts for over 20 years as a wheel alignment mechanic.

In 1996, Ron started the "Windmill Country Gospel Singers." Along with his wife, Sharon and Doug Heck. From 1996 until 2007 the gospel team would do full church services in Rapid City, Fairburn, Sharps Corner, Dupree, and Cheyenne. During their services Ron and Doug preached, they would sing a few songs and play a few instrumental pieces. Ron would play the guitar, Sharon played the saxophone, and Doug would play the piano. The gospel team was fun and all joy.

Ron, along with Sharon also preached for 14 years at the "Windmill Truckers Chapel." Sharon prayed for prayer requests and Ron would preach a sermon and extend an invitation to ask Jesus into their hearts to forgive them of their sins.  This ministry was life touching and personal evangelism one on one. He and Sharon also did praise and worship services in many churches in Rapid City, North Dakota, Wyoming, and Utah. Including both a Spanish and Native American church in Rapid City. They also did prison ministry, nursing home services, and in-home bible study. Ron was a great musician and preacher.

He read through the Old Testament over 40 times, and the New Testament over 50 times. Ron knew the bible exceptionally well. You could ask him a question pertaining to it and most of the time he could tell you the book, the chapter, and the verse for your answer. Ron loved God with his whole heart, mind, and soul.

Ron enjoyed gardening, drives through the hills, walks in the park, vacations, western movies and comedies. But most of all Ron loved reading the bible three times a day and praying.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Jerry Van Beek and Darrell Van Beek; sister, Sharon Whittmeir; and son, Kelly Van Beek.

Ron leaves behind his wife, Sharon; sons, Gene (Jody) Van Beek, Dennis (Wendy) Van Beek, and Darrell (Mary) Van Beek; and seven grandchildren; and special cousin, Gretchen Seymour.

He was a loving and kind husband he will be missed greatly. It's wonderful to know that he is in Heaven singing with the angels, praising God, and walking on the streets of gold. Praise GOD!