Carolyn Ronke

Carolyn K. Ronke, age 72, of Watertown, SD, passed away on Thursday, February 23, 2023, at her residence in Watertown.  Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, February 27, 2023, at Crawford-Osthus Funeral Chapel in Watertown.  Pastor Jerod Jordan will officiate.  The funeral service will be live-streamed on our website.

Visitation will be at the Crawford-Osthus Funeral Chapel in Watertown, SD on Sunday, February 26, 2023, from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.

Honorary pallbearers will be the Clark High School Class of 1969.  Active pallbearers will be her grandchildren Cori Gaikowski, Taylor Merkel, Caitlin Stavig, Tatum Sonnenburg, Taryn Ronke, and Tegan Ronke.

Carolyn was born on December 17, 1950, in Clark, SD, to George F. and Sharon K. (Ness) Croninger.  She attended Clark High School, graduating with the class of 1969. 

On November 21, 1970, Carolyn married Ronald Ronke at Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church in Watertown, SD.  Carolyn worked at Spies Super Value. The couple moved to St. Paul, MN, where she worked for Sperry Univac.  In 1976, they moved to Watertown, SD, working at Minnesota Rubber where she was a molder for 38 years until her retirement when Minnesota Rubber closed their doors.  Carolyn worked part-time for the Watertown School District in the lunch program. 

She enjoyed attending and watching her grandchildren’s activities, golfing, bowling, ceramics, craft shows, laughing, making chocolate cake, and her lottery tickets.  Her favorite holiday which she loved was Christmas.

Carolyn is survived by her husband, Ronald, of Watertown; sons Travis (Tracy) Ronke, of Watertown, and Todd (Mary) Ronke, of Watertown; grandchildren, Cori, Taylor, Caitlin, Tatum, Taryn, and Tegan; great-grandchildren, Lucy, Colt, Camryn, Breckan, Hank, Easton, Maverick, and baby Sonnenburg.

Carolyn was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Butch Croninger; sisters, Sharalyn, and Darla.

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