Ronald Owen Schatz

Ronald Owen Schatz, 84, of Scotland, passed away Monday, October 26, 2026 at the Good Samaritan Center in Scotland. Visitation will be from 4:00-6:00 pm, Sunday, November 1 at the Spirit of Hope Lutheran Church in Scotland. Ronald’s Memorial Service will be 10:30 am, Monday, November 2 at the Opsahl-Kostel Funeral Home in Yankton with Rev. Rebecca Senner officiating. Private family burial will be at Rosehill Cemetery in Scotland at a later date. Online condolences may be sent at www.okfhc.com. Opsahl-Kostel Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Ronald Owen Schatz was born on April 13, 1942 to Owen (Happy) and Florence Schatz. He grew up on the family farm along the Jim River which played an important part in his growing-up years. His cousins and neighborhood friends enjoyed swimming, riding their horses through the water to then jump off their backs, and camping out on the riverbanks. Those early adventures along the Jim River helped shape a lifelong love of nature, exploration, and the outdoors.

After graduating from Scotland High School, he attended two years of college and then started farming with his dad. He married Carol Mueller, a fellow high school classmate, in 1962. To this union, two daughters were born, Julie and Jill.

Ron spent his farming years growing crops and raising cattle. He believed strongly that those who cared for the land had a responsibility to leave it in better condition than they found it. He put that belief into practice through conservation efforts that protected the soil, wildlife, and natural environment.

In his late 40s, Ron and Carol began spending time in Arizona, where Carol taught on a reservation near Parker and Ron joined her during the winter months. After eight years, Carol retired, and they began spending their winters living in a fifth-wheel camper in the Arizona desert. Eventually, they purchased a home in the Verde Valley.

Ron had an adventurous spirit and an endless curiosity about the natural world. He never saw a river that he didn’t want to canoe or kayak, a canyon he didn’t want to hike, a cliff dwelling he didn’t want to explore, or rock art he didn’t like to photograph. He enjoyed backpacking into wilderness areas or taking the 4-wheeler into the mountains. Ron and Carol were well traveled and had visited all 50 states, many Canadian provinces, all the Central American countries, and most of Europe.

Ron also enjoyed making music. He, along with two friends, had a country and western band, The Dakota Drovers. For over 20 years they played throughout the region, bringing music to many special events and gatherings.

Ron’s faith was deeply woven into his daily life. He was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith, and loved studying and talking about scripture, faith and theology. He was always active in congregational life, most recently splitting time between Spirit of Hope in Scotland and Spirit of Joy in Cottonwood, AZ.

Ron treasured his grandchildren and the time they spent together. Whether sharing adventures on the farm or in Arizona, attending their games, or taking an interest in their many activities, he delighted in being part of their lives.

Surviving relatives are his wife of 64 years, Carol; daughters Julie Houston and Jill (Scott) Munger; grandchildren Kayla (Kenzie Lee) Munger, and Jay Munger; and nieces and nephews and their families. He was preceded in death by his parents, Happy and Florence Schatz; in-laws, Ted and Geneva Mueller; sister, Delores Kroupa and husband, Ralph; and niece Elaine Duvall.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Nature Conservancy, National Parks, Sierra Club, or Lutherans Outdoors in SD.