Ronald Obritsch

Funeral Mass for Ronald Obritsch, 73, of Dickinson, will be 10:00 am, Tuesday, March 17, 2026 at St. Joseph's Catholic Church with Fr. Justin Waltz celebrating. Burial will follow in St. Pius cemetery, Schefield.Visitation for Ron will be 5:00-7:00 pm, Monday, March 16, 2026 with a rosary and vigil service being held at 6:00 pm at Stevenson Funeral Home.Ron passed away at home, surrounded by his family, on Wednesday, March 11, 2026.Ronald Keith Obritsch, born April 1st, 1952 in Dickinson, North Dakota to Andrew and Viola, passed away peacefully in his home on March 11, 2026. Ron lived a life deeply rooted in faith, family and the land he dearly loved. A lifelong farmer, Ron dedicated his days to working the fields and caring for livestock, building not only a livelihood but a legacy of hard work and stewardship.

Ron was united in marriage to the love of his life, Georgia Hondl, on June 4th, 1975. Together they built a life grounded in hard work, faith and deep family ties. They were blessed with two children, Justin and Tracy, who grew up learning the values of responsibility, resilience, and humor from their father.

Ron worked the family farm side by side with his brother Robert, continuing a proud family tradition. Farming was never just his livelihood - it was his passion. He proudly raised barley, oats and wheat and spent many years milking cows before eventually making the decision to sell the dairy cows and focus more on growing the beef herd; embracing a new chapter while staying true to the life he cherished.

Ron was deeply committed to stewardship of the land. He served on various boards throughout his years, giving generously of his time and knowledge. His favorite role was serving on the Central Stark & Western Soil Conservation Board, where he worked to ensure that the land he treasured would be protected for future generations. His dedication did not go unnoticed. Ron was honored with the Range Management Award, the Overall Achievement Award and most recently the Farmstead Award - recognition's that reflect a lifetime of commitment to agriculture and conservation.

Ron was known just as well for his humor as for his work ethic. He had a great sense of humor and was a gifted storyteller. His tales, often stretched just a bit beyond the bounds of reality and with each retelling became just a little grander, later affectionately dubbed "Obritsch Wind" by his grandchildren. Whether around the kitchen table, or out in the yard, he could always be counted on to spin a story that left everyone smiling, shaking their heads, and asking "Now, is that really how it happened?".

As health challenges gradually limited his mobility, Ron found joy in simpler pleasures. He especially enjoyed cruising around the farm in his John Deere Gator daily, checking his crops and cattle. Even at a slower pace, he remained exactly where he felt most at home -on the farm.

Ron is lovingly survived by his devoted wife, Georgia; his son Justin (Karie) Obritsch and their children Adam, Kyle, Sydnie and Dylan (Westby, MT); his daughter Tracy (Travis) Simnioniw and their children Samantha and Seth (Dickinson, ND). His grandchildren were a constant source of pride and joy, who will forever carry forward his stories, his laughter, and his love of the land. He's also survived by his siblings, Marcella Riecken (Sheridan, WY); Markus (Joan) Obritsch (Dickinson, ND); Harvey (Kathleen) Obritsch (Gladstone, ND); Andrea Hintz (Dickinson, ND); Brother-in Law Larry Fischer (Bowman, ND); Dr. Jerry (Nancy) Obritsch (Bismarck, ND); Wesley (Julie) Obritsch (Lanesboro, MN); Kelly (Dean) Bredeken (Blaine, MN); Mary (Quentin) Smith (Hudson, WI); Brothers-in-law Gary (Charlotte) Hondl (Dickinson, ND); Jim Hondl (Dickinson, ND); and numerous nieces and nephews, and great-nieces and nephews.

Ronald Keith Obritsch will be remembered for his unwavering dedication to his family, his devotion to farming, his generous spirit, and the laughter he brought into the lives of those around him. His legacy will live on thru the stories that will be told for generations, and by most of all in the family who will forever carry forward his humor, strength, and unwavering optimism.

Ron was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Robert and Richard; sister Sandy Fisher; brother-in-law Frank Hintz; and his father and mother-in-law, George and Grace Hondl.

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