Ronald Joseph Bergen, 80, of Hot Springs SD was born July 8, 1946, in Pine Ridge, SD. He passed away peacefully on July 11, 2026, at the State Veteran's Home in Hot Springs, SD.

After graduating from Hot Springs High School in 1965 he voluntarily went to Vietnam and served two tours in the U.S. Army and one tour in the U.SS Navy before returning home. He then got married, started a family and went to college.

In the mid 1980s he started coaching soccer, softball and t-ball. He also started working at the Hot Springs School District, where he helped many students in math, for over 30 years.

He had three daughters that he was very proud of, the youngest one preceding him in death, the middle one becoming a teacher and the eldest serving in the U.S. Army and working in health care. His biggest pride and joy though was his grandson, his only grandchild.

He is preceded in death by his mother (Rita Rasmussen), father (Bert Bergen), step-father (Frank Rasmussen), sister (Karen Hildebrand), brother (Frank Rasmussen JR), wife (Loretta Bergen), daughter (Candice Bergen) and a granddaughter (Elizabeth Wilaby).

He is survived by daughter, Cristina (Bergen) Wilaby of Hot Springs SD, daughter, Carrie (Trent Jones) Bergen of Piedmont SD, grandson Ashton Wilaby of Hot Springs SD, sister Sylvia Ecoffey of Hot Springs SD, Fay Holloway of Hot Springs SD, Floyd Rasmussen of Alliance NE and Filma Jones of Alliance NE.

He was greatly loved and will be missed by his family, friends and his many students. Please make donations in his name to the State Veterans Home of Hot Springs SD.

Christian Funeral Vigil will be held 7:00 p.m., Friday, July 24, 2026, at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Hot Springs, SD.

Christian Funeral Mass will be held 2:00 p.m., Saturday, July 25, 2026, at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Hot Springs, SD.

Christian Funeral Committal will be held 2:30 p.m., Monday, July 27, 2026 at Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis, SD.

Arrangements have been placed in the care of Chamberlain McColleys Funeral Home in Hot Springs, SD.