Ronnell Merchen Grotzke

of Kadoka, South Dakota, died on Friday, September 10, 2021
near Kadoka, South Dakota at the age of 68

Ronnell Mildred Merchen was born January 13, 1953, in Kadoka, South Dakota, the daughter of Harry and Mildred (Beard) Merchen. She attended Sunshine Bible School and then attended Pillsbury Baptist Bible College.

Ronnell was united in marriage to Vernon Grotzke on November 24, 1973, in Kadoka, South Dakota.

Ronnell loved her family, her church, her friends, and her Bible study. She was one of the kindest human beings on the planet. Her care for everyone was always evident. To know Ronnell was to know kindness, love, and compassion.

Survivors include her loving husband Vern; three daughters Jodie Nelson and her husband Mike, Julie Churchwell and her husband Dan, and Jessica Martin and her husband Ben; two sons Robert Eric Grotzke and his wife Megan, and Matthew Grotzke; many beautiful grandchildren; and a wonderfully loving extended family.

Ronnell was preceded in death by her parents Harry “Skinny” and Mildred Merchen; and two brothers Melvin and Mark Merchen.

Visitation will begin at 9:00 a.m. on Thursday, September 16, with a funeral service at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, all at the Presbyterian Church in Kadoka, with Pastor Dave Grotzke officiating.

After a luncheon, the interment will take place at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, at the Norris Cemetery.

Feel free to bring flowers from your garden in remembrance of Ronnell.

Interment will be held at 2:00 p.m. MDT Thursday, September 16, at the Norris Cemetery in Norris.

Service Details

VISITATION
Thursday, September 16, 2021
9-10:30 a.m.
Presbyterian Church
Kadoka, South Dakota

FUNERAL SERVICE
Thursday, September 16, 2021 - 10:30 a.m.
Presbyterian Church
Kadoka, South Dakota

OFFICIATING
Pastor Dave Grotzke

MUSIC
Mallory Bauman - Musician
Dean Grotzke - Song Leader
Congregational Hymns
“What A Day That Will Be”
“His Mercy is More”
“Amazing Grace”

PALLBEARERS
Jodie and Mike Nelson
Julie and Dan Churchwell - Jessica and Ben Martin
Robert Eric and Megan Grotzke - Matthew Grotzke

HONORARY PALLBEARERS
All Relatives and Friends in Attendance

INTERMENT
Thursday, September 16, 2021 - 2:00 p.m. MDT
Norris Cemetery
Norris, South Dakota

Guest Book

My heart aches for the loss of a beautiful spirited woman, daughter, sister, wife, mother, Aunt, grandmother and friend. Aunt Ronnell you were like a second mother to me always so kind and loving. Loved going to your house over the years to celebrate holidays ,watching movies and playing board/card games. I will miss your smile and comforting hugs here on earth but I know I will see you again in heaven. Love you forever
   ~ Andrea Heilig Belgrade Montana (9/16/2021)
"We sorrow not as others sorrow" but we still grieve, the loss of a wife, the loss of a mother and grandmother. I sorrow with the loss of a sister of the heart, I could share things with Ronnell that I could not share with anyone else. Thank you Father that you will wipe away all tears and our Hope is in Jesus Christ.
   ~ Angie Heilig Clyde Park, MT (9/16/2021)
Dear Vern and Family: Our prayers and thoughts are with you at this time. God gifted Ronnell with the ability to love, laugh, and spread joy around wherever she went. She left each of us uplifted after spending time with her. What treasured memories we all have of such a special lady of the Lord. May God have his hand on each of you to grant you comfort and peace.
   ~ Ron and Sandi Pfau Ennis Montana (9/16/2021)
You all are in our thoughts and prayers!! So sorry for your loss!!
   ~ Pastor Paul & Deanna Leslie Belding, Michigan (9/13/2021)
Ronnele got a well done !!!! Sorry for your loss. This woman of God will surely be missed
   ~ Donna Evans and family Ennis Montana (9/15/2021)
What a "precious" tribute for Ronnell today--thank you to everyone who shared about her "LOVE" and the "JOY" she exuded to everyone she met. We will miss her and do pray for God's comfort to Vern and ALL of the family during this time!! God bless you and keep you!!!!

   ~ Judy & Dick Churchwell 1504 Morningside Dr (9/16/2021)
Dearest Jodie, Julie, Jess,Eric and Matt the service yesterday was beautiful so wish I could of come. I wanted to repay some of that kindness and love your mom so freely gave and that all of you have given to me. Your mom was the most amazing women I have ever known and all of you are just like her with your generosity and kindness to others as well. You all aren't just cousins but my sister's and brother's. Love you all and I am praying for you as you walk through the hard and the hurt right now.
   ~ Amber Heilig Belgrade MT (9/17/2021)
Memories of your whole family, from Pastor Bob & Zoe, Pastor Vern & sweet Ronnell and all the kids are very special to me and my heart hurts with you all in your loss. May our great and loving God be your strongest source of comfort at this difficult time. Love and prayers for you all!
   ~ Mchelle Ebel Rimrock,AZ (9/14/2021)

   ~ Richard Sneigoski andClaudia McAllister, Montana 59740 (9/14/2021)
Prayers for your family
   ~ Jean (Rank) Remington (9/18/2021)
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   ~ BrandonAsymn https://forums.dieviete.lv/profils/127605/forum/ (4/5/2024)
Our condolances go out to Ronnel's Family. We willbe keeping you in our prayers,
   ~ Oliver & Gayle Carson Quinn, SD (9/13/2021)
I love you, Ronnell! Thank you for your impact on my life.
   ~ Wendi Lahart Portland, OR & VC, MT (9/16/2021)
I worked construction with Ronnell at Murdo. She was always so happy. I envied her attitude. She will be missed by all who knew her.
   ~ Lori (Stangle) Kelly Philip SD (9/14/2021)
A beautiful lady - Heaven is rejoicing. Love and Prayers
   ~ Thom & Becky Sprunger Rochester, MN (9/14/2021)
Aunt Ronnell loved well. She loved you, she loved Jesus. She gave the best hugs, and made you feel important and seen. I'm so grateful I was able to know her, and even more grateful that we will meet again in Heaven. She is a gift, and I treasure our memories together.
   ~ Rachael Harlow Bozeman MT (9/16/2021)
Dear Vern & family, sorry to hear of the home going of your precious Wife and Mom. What a dear gentle lady. She will be missed. Thank God for Heaven.
   ~ Dr. S. C. & Marcia Schearer Great Falls, Montana (9/16/2021)
So sorry for your loss. Ronelle was such a sweet lady and will be missed very much!
   ~ Alisha McConnell and Cody Brunson Kadoka (9/13/2021)
To all the Family. We were so sorry to hear of Ronnell's home going. Your family has made a big impact on our lives and our children. The years when they would attend the Summer Sizzler... Mrs. Grotzke made a big impact on all our teens lives. We will be praying for your family.
   ~ Pastor Gary Morse and Donna Bozeman (9/16/2021)
I have to be out of town on Thursday so will be unable to attend the service but will be thinking of you all with prayers. She was a sweet lady and will be missed. May all of your memories help in the healing in your loss
   ~ Eileen Stolley Kadoka (9/13/2021)
Vernon - our sympathy to you and your family in the loss of Ronnell. She was such a sweet lady; always had a smile. Take care and know we'll be thinking of you as you celebrate the life of your beloved wife.
   ~ Jolene & Don Haynes Philip, SD (9/15/2021)
Dear Vern and Family, I want you to know that Ronnell made a huge impact in my life growing up. Thank you for your faithfulness in Miles City. I am a life that was changed and encouraged in the Lord. I feel the pain of loss with you and want you to know I will be praying God's comfort on you all at this time. Love you all!!
   ~ Rick and Jana (Leach) Hammond 416 Buffalo Dr, Dillon, MT (9/16/2021)
I am so sorry for your loss!! She was such lovely Christian woman. She and I had some very special conversations when she was at my house.
   ~ Connie M Thirstrup Rapid City (9/13/2021)
My heart goes out to the family and extended family that was huge because of the great big love that Ronnell showed everyone she came in contact with.
Ronnell, I know you are in heaven and rejoicing with Jesus and your Heavenly Father. Praise God. You will be missed by so many. Thank you for the gift of your friendship and you ever present ability to be the hands and feet of Jesus.
Your influence on my life and christian walk with forever be with me until we meet again. Thank you
Blessing and love to your family
Warm hugs
Pamela
Yuma,AZ
Former RMBC member,Ennis, MT

   ~ Pamela Wyckoff-Schinke Arizona (9/17/2021)
Sorry to hear loss, Vernon and family. Our prayers are with you. Lovingly, Lynn and Peggy Howe
   ~ Lynn and Peggy Howe Laramie, Wyoming (9/15/2021)
We were struck to the heart when we heard the news. Ronnell was a wonderful Lady and she will be missed. Loved her smile! We are so grateful that we will see her again with the Lord!
   ~ Claudia Sneigoski McAllister, MT (9/16/2021)
We will miss aunt Ronnell so much. She was such an amazing woman. Always so kind, loving, remembering countless talks with her where she was so encouraging and her love for Jesus was so clear. Love and prayers to all of you!
   ~ Coby and Liz Lathrop McCall, Idaho (9/16/2021)
Vernon, praying for you and your family during these difficult days of losing Ronnell. May the Lord's presence and peace surround each one of you.
   ~ Pearl Chord Brown Ringgold GA (9/14/2021)
Vern, my sympathy to you and your family. Ronnell was such an inspiration to all who came in contact with her. Her perpetual smile always lifted us up and filled our hearts. She will be missed. You all were blessed to have her in your life.
   ~ Gail Simmons McAllister, MT (9/16/2021)
We cherish all the years of memories with your families and will never forget a life well lived as she shared Christ's love. Our prayers are with you all as you remember her.
   ~ Larry and Corine Wilson USA (9/14/2021)
Oregon
   ~ Wendi Lahart Portland (9/16/2021)

Flowers

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Jannell, Kevin, and Family
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Wanda Larson
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Bob and ReeAnn Benson
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Grotzke Siblings: Dean and Marilyn; Darla; Angie and Glen; Dave and Cindy; Judy and Glen; Roxie and Mark; and Rhonda
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Jared, Sarah, and their four children and Amber, Andrea, and Kendra
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Wendi Lahart
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Melonie, Terrie, Dawn, Steve, and Tim
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Widd and Lana; Heath and Casey; and Heather and Jamie
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Eric and Rachael Harlow
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Heather and John Hagen; Nate and Darla Grotzke; Seth and Crystal Grotzke; Amanda and Tim Miller; and Ben and Rachel Grotzke
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Gary and Ruth McCubbin
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Glen and Angie Heilig and Family
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Darla Kaltenbach; Deb and Rick Johnson; and Brittney and Justin Nelsen
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Kadoka Ladies Bible Study
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Your Blessed Beginnings and SACS Family
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Jim and Debbie Antonsen
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Mitch and Betty; the Lamberts; and the Davidsons
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The Langve Family
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Butch and Carolyn
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The Prairie Homestead