Ronald W. Betten, 78, of Redfield, SD, died Wednesday, February 13, 2013 at Community Memorial Hospital in Redfield.

Mass of Christian Burial will be Saturday, February 16, 2013 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Bernard's Catholic Church in Redfield. Father Christopher Hughes will officiate.

Burial will be in Greenlawn Cemetery in Redfield, with military rites.

Visitation will be Friday from 1-8:00 p.m. with a prayer service at 6:00 p.m. at Thelen Funeral Home in Redfield. www.thelenfuneralhome.com

Ronald Betten was born July 24, 1934 in Redfield to Harry and Helen (Lempke) Betten. He grew up playing sandlot baseball and basketball and attended school in Redfield. He loved sports and participated in football, basketball and track, earning many awards. He graduated from Redfield High School in 1952.

Following graduation, Ron joined the United States Air Force where he served overseas as a jet mechanic during the Korean War. He married Wilma Hauger on September 10, 1954. They returned to Redfield where Ron joined his brothers in the family business, known as Harry's Station. They were one of the largest packers of eggs in the United States. He retired from the business in 1991.

Ron enjoyed spending time in Arizona to escape the SD winters; spending time fishing at the Missouri River in pursuit of an elusive "wall-hanger"; spending time with his family and hunting with friends. He started golfing late in life, but was a natural and even scored a hole-in-one.

Ron will be forever remembered by his wife, Wilma of Redfield; his children: Bill (Sue) Betten of Woodbury, MN; Steve (Jan) Betten of Spearfish, SD; Diane (Dave) Willis of Redfield; and Mike (Dawn Roth) Betten of Redfield; and five grandchildren: Jennifer (Andy) Cypher, Scott (Kayla) Betten, Jon (Erin) Betten, Bradley Betten and Chris Betten. Missing their G-Pa will be five great grandchildren: Collin, Brayden, Rollie, Jaycie and Tory. Also grateful for having shared his life are his sister Darlene Anderson of Aurora, CO and many nieces and nephews.

Waiting for Ron in heaven will be his parents, his brothers: Bob and Harry Bill and his sister Sheryl Doran.