Ronald D. Bourassa, 75, of Brandon, SD, formerly of Redfield, passed away on Monday, October 17, 2022, at home in Brandon, SD.

His Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday, October 21, 2022, at St. Bernard Catholic Church, with burial to follow at St. Bernard's Catholic Cemetery with military honors. Reverend John Short will officiate. Lunch and fellowship will follow the burial.

The funeral service will be live-streamed to the funeral home's website below Ronald's obituary. Arrangements have been entrusted to Hyke Funeral Home of Redfield ( www.hykefuneralhome.com ).

Ronald Douglas Bourassa was born on February 26, 1947, in Conde, SD, the son of Vital and Mildred (Koenig) Bourassa. He was raised and educated in the Turton/Conde area attending country schools and then Redfield High School before joining the United States Navy in 1965.  He served on the U.S.S. Oriskany until 1968. While serving, he received the following medals:  National Defense Service Medal (Navy Unit), Bronze Star Commendation Ribbon, Bronze Star Vietnam Service Medal, and Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal. Ron also served honorably in the South Dakota Army National Guard.

On January 8, 1972, Ron married Verna Kay Ihnen. To this union, five children were born: Ronelle, Deedre, Trevor, Tanner, and Tahlen.

Ron worked various jobs in and around Redfield as a lineman, barber, welder, and truck driver before moving to Baltic, where he drove trucks for various construction companies until he retired in February of 2022 at the age of 75.

Ron enjoyed riding horses, spending time outside, teasing his grandkids, and spending time with his children, letting them know he'd had enough of their company by saying, "I better get to bed so you kids can go home."

Ron is survived by his children: Ronelle (Jeff) Neill, Deedre Bourassa, Trevor  Bourassa, Tanner Bourassa, and Tahlen Bourassa. Ron was blessed with twelve grandchildren: Ethan, Colton, Jacob, and Kade Nachtman; Koby Corkins; Cassidy and Tristen Metzinger; Hunter, Payton, Phoebe, and Cole Bourassa; and Gracelyn Brobjorg. He is also survived by his siblings: Coralie (Bill) Shupe, Marva Rausenberger, Gloria Pharis, Roseanne (Don) Harms, David (Bonnie) Bourassa, Doreen (John) Bonin, Christine (Randy) Fliehe, Nick (Kristy) Bourassa. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers-in-law: Harry Pharis and Jim Rausenberger; daughter-in-law Vanessa Metzinger Bourassa; nephews: Jason Fliehe and Cory and Rick Taylor.

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Thanks to the participants in Ronald's service:

Clergy - Reverend John Short

Organist - Carol Esser

Cantor - Sheri Zens

Bearers:

Koby Corkins, Hunter Bourassa,

Tahlen Bourassa, Payton Bourassa

Military Honors:

Clay Kiser American Legion Post #92 - Redfield, SD

Paul A. Schleher VFW Post #2755 - Redfield, SD

U.S. Navy Funeral Honors Team - Sioux Falls, SD

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