Ronda DeBruin

Ronda Jean (Buffington) DeBruin was born on September 9, 1959 to Francis “Irene” (Pearl) Buffington and Delbert Edward Buffington in Lake Whales, Florida. In her early childhood, Ronda was baptized and confirmed at the St. James Lutheran Church in Holland, Minnesota. In January of 1979, Ronda welcomed her first child, Clorinda, into her life. Later in 1979, Ronda married Jeffrey Nelson in Texas. Their marriage was blessed with her second child, Shawn. In June of 1979, Ronda enlisted in the Air Force and served until she was discharged honorably in June of 1980. She was also an active member of the American Legion Post 6 in Pipestone, Minnesota, where she was the first and only female commander to this day. She later remarried to Jerry DeBruin in 1984. She and Jerry were happily married until his passing in 2006.

In her early adulthood, Ronda worked at Rentchler’s Truck Plaza in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, while also attending college at Stewart School in Sioux Falls. She graduated from Stewart School as a cosmetologist in 1987. Following her work at Rentchler’s, she worked as a bar tender in Garretson, South Dakota and later at Ellison Meats in Pipestone, Minnesota. Along with being a hard worker, Ronda was a natural care giver. She took care of her father Delbert until his passing in 2011. She also took care of Donald Streich, her fiancé Jack Streich’s father, in his time of need until he was placed in a nursing home.

When Ronda wasn’t working hard, she could be found spending time with her family, Jack’s family whom she loved as her own, and with her beloved foxes, Yoshie and Willow. She loved supporting and helping with the Auxiliary women, planning and participating in events and parades the Pipestone Legion hosted. Her love for celebrating Halloween and relaxing while fishing will forever be remembered by her family and loved ones.

Ronda will be lovingly remembered by her children Clorinda (Richard) Fenton of Junction City, Kansas and Shawn Nelson of Holland, Minnesota; her siblings Edna Peacher of Iowa, Virgie (Sam), Mary, Carol, Julie and Randy; her grandchildren Calysta (Kyle) Leonard of Rhode Island, Brittney (Devin) Johnson of Kansas, Zakery Johnson of Kansas and Alayna Nelson of Minnesota; Jack’s children Danielle Streich, Jimmy Streich, Jack Streich Jr., Bruce (Sheila) Scotting and Steven (Jessica) Scotting; Jack’s grandchild Zoey Streich; one great-grandchild Jacobi Leonard; fiancé Jack Streich and many nieces, nephews, cousins, family and friends. She is preceded in death by the love of her life Jerry DeBruin; her parents Delbert and Irene Buffington; and her siblings Roberta and Edward.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Hartquist Funeral Home - Pipestone Chapel.