Ronnie Warren Dusseau

July 12, 1937 – October 22, 2025

Ronnie Warren Dusseau, 88, of Mesa, Arizona, passed into the loving arms of the Lord on October 22, 2025. Arrangements are pending with the Mountain View Funeral Home & Cemetery. A celebration of life, sharing of stories, and reception will be held at 12:30 PM, Sunday, November 2 in the Maple Room of the Gilbert Community Center (130 N. Oak St, Gilbert, AZ 85233), Mitchell, South Dakota, and gravesite services in Fort Pierre, South Dakota (details to be updated here in the future). Individuals who wish to be notified of the South Dakota get-together may also contact RonDusseauFamily@gmail.com. The Gilbert event will be live-streamed as well.

Ron Dusseau was born on July 12, 1937, to Warren and Alby (Tarabetz) Dusseau in Pukwana, South Dakota. As Ron would recall, he lived a tough life on the ranch, walking barefoot to/from school, uphill both ways. He graciously declined full credit, but said that it was beyond mere coincidence that the dry conditions had ended, the hoppers were gone, and the war ended, all during his youth. He left the Pukwana ranch and pursued higher education at Dakota Wesleyan University, South Dakota State, the University of South Dakota, achieving a Bachelors of Science and a Masters in Education.

For twenty-five years, he was a teacher, vice-principal, and administrator at Fulton, Letcher, and Mitchell, South Dakota. During that time, he met “his better half”, Deb Jeffries, impressing her with his rugged good looks.

Ron was also an American Family Ins. agent for ten years, and director of the James Valley Senior Center for another ten years. He was active in the community, serving as a Davison County juvenile probation officer, chairman/consultant for the Planning and Advisory Commission on Crime, and supervisor of Mitchell Corn Palace decorations for twelve years. He volunteered his time to the Corn Palace Committee, the Christmas Madrigal as the court jester/fool extraordinaire for 21 years. Upon his departure to Arizona, the Mitchell Mayor gave him a key to the city … and noted that they would subsequently be changing the locks.

Ron was a veteran, serving in the Army and South Dakota National Guard until his full-time career in education. His hobbies included a little woodworking (picture frames, butcher block, etc.), semi-honestly playing cards with family, bowling (best league score: 654 scratch), golf (one hole-in-one) and some exceptionally competitive pool. He played on eleven teams that qualified for seven national tournaments. He and Deb were active members of their church mission program, provided aid and built schools in Mexico, hosted several international students, were legal guardians for a foster son, and served as a Big Brother for a young man who became a good friend.

Ron is survived by his loving wife of fifty years, Deb Jeffries Dusseau; his above average children, Jackie (Brian) Beilke, David (Kyomi) Dusseau, and Nancy Fischer; great grandkids Jessica, Adam, Grant, Brandon, Lane, and Dustin; great-grandkids Oliver, Vivian,

Felix, Fredrick, Alda, and Charlie; former wife Pat Dusseau; sister Rae Dolezal. He was preceded in death by his parents, Alby and Warren Dusseau.

Ron dearly cherished family and friendships he had built over the years. He valued people from all walks of life, shared the light of Christ, and endeavored to help others in need. No one worked harder than Ron to use his wit and gentle humor to bring laughter to others, and he was very successful with his endeavors.

With the grace of God and the help of so many amazing doctors, nurses, caregivers, and others, he courageously fought health issues including COPD and cancer for many years. Even so, he never failed to find joy in his life. Ron often said, “Throughout all my years, I have been lucky – blessed beyond belief or merit.”

In some of his last wishes, Ron asked to extend his grateful appreciation for your kindness, prayers, friendship, and love, which made his life worth living. He expressed his wish that, “For now, rather than spending anything on flowers or a Ferrari for me, please help someone who needs a little support. I’d like that!” If you wish to send a memorial, Ron would want you to pick a charity that means something special to YOU. The family extends its appreciation for the kindness shown to Ron over the years.

Live Stream Link: https://youtube.com/live/E1iEX7dKxRg?feature=share