Ronald L. Egdorf, 86, Sanborn

A funeral service in memory of Ronald L. Egdorf was held Saturday, July 6, 2024, at the First Reformed Church in Sanborn. Pastor Mark Ellens officiated.

Pallbearers were Randy Egdorf, Mike Egdorf, Todd Egdorf, Galen Egdorf and Gregg Tucholke. Honorary pallbearers were Melinda Batien, Joe Egdorf, Tabatha Barnes, Jason Van Engen, Jami Sather, Brandi Fehr, Clark Egdorf, Cody Egdorf, Brandon Egdorf, Carrie Wiekamp, Brady Egdorf, Crystal Christensen and Heath Egdorf. Interment was in Roseland Cemetery at Sanborn. Sanborn Funeral Home assisted with the arrangements.

Ronald Lee “Ron” Egdorf was born Dec. 17, 1937 in Boyden, the son of Ernest and Edna (Schoeltje) Egdorf. He grew up on a farm northwest of Boyden along with his nine brothers and sisters, doing what most country kids did – helping with the farming operation and playing when they could. He received his education through the country school system near Boyden, graduating from the eighth grade.

Ron was united in marriage to Tylene Kay Koele on May 24, 1956, at Hull. Over the years their family grew to include five children: Randy, Terri, Mike, Todd and Galen. Having agricultural knowledge and first-hand experience, Ron worked as a hired hand for area farmers from 1956 until 1968. He was then employed with AMPI in Sanborn, hauling milk in cans until 1972. The remainder of his working years was spent as an over-the-road trucker, enjoying 4-1/2 years of that time driving as a two-man team with his son, Randy. Ron retired in 2002.

Even though each day seemed to be consumed with work, Ron found time to enjoy one of his favorite things, playing softball. He belonged to a men’s fast pitch league in his younger years and passed the interest and talent down to his own kids. He always had a passion for sports and liked to watch them when he could. Of course, when the bats and gloves got put away, his favorite thing was relaxing and spending time with his family. Ron was a member of First Reformed Church in Sanborn.

Ron passed from this life on Tuesday, July 2, 2024, at the age of 86 years. He is lovingly remembered by his wife of 68 years, Tylene; his children: Randy (Tanya) Egdorf, of Sanborn, Terri (Gregg) Tucholke, of Dawson, Minn., Mike (Julie) Egdorf, of Emmetsburg, Todd (Lyn) Egdorf, of Paullina, and Galen Egdorf (special friend, Angela Wilderman), of Oakland City, Ind.; 13 grandchildren, 42 great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren; sisters: Janice Kuiper, Carol Ferguson, Arlene (Leroy) Woelber, Kathy (Lawrence) Sohl and Candice Gross; many other relatives and good friends.

Preceding him in death were his parents; mother and father-in-law, Hank and Min Koele; son-in-law, David Van Engen; grandsons: Jason Van Engen and Austin Opheim; brothers: Gene, Dennis and Arlen “Butch” Egdorf; and one sister, June Van Dyke; many other relatives and good friends.