Ronald “Ron” Eugene Van Doorne, 66, Dickinson, formerly of Grand Haven, MI, passed away on Sunday, September 14, 2025 at Missouri Slope-Washington, Bismarck, surrounded by his family. Ron’s Funeral Service will be at 1:30 p.m., Thursday, September 18, 2025 St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church, Dickinson with Rev. Lisa Lewton and Pastor Mary Wiggins as officiants. Military Honors will be provided by the Dickinson American Legion Post 3 Honor Guard. There will be a Gathering of Family & Friends from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Wednesday at Ladbury Funeral Service, Dickinson with a Time of Sharing Stories & Memories at 6 p.m. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the service.

Ron Van Doorne, 66, Dickinson, formerly of Grand Haven, MI, passed away on Sunday, September 14, 2025 at Missouri Slope-Washington, Bismarck, surrounded by his family. Ron’s Funeral Service will be at 1:30 p.m., Thursday, September 18, 2025 St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church, Dickinson with Rev. Lisa Lewton as officiant. There will be a Gathering of Family & Friends from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Wednesday at Ladbury Funeral Service, Dickinson with a Time of Sharing Stories & Memories at 6 p.m. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the service.

Ron was born on April 23, 1959, in Grand Haven, Michigan. From a young age Ron was a free spirit with the soul of a Lake Michigan surfer. He spent his early years chasing waves and sunsets along the shoreline, often behind the wheel of his trusty Volkswagen microbus with windows down, music blaring, and hair tousled by the wind (yes he did have hair at one time). Life was an adventure, and Ron was always ready for the next wave, the next laugh, the next horizon. He always carried a great love for his home in Michigan and the Great Lakes, especially Lake Michigan. But beneath that carefree exterior was a quiet sense of purpose. When the time came, he traded the surfboard for a uniform and answered the call to serve his country. His journey took him from the shores of Lake Michigan to the plains of North Dakota when he joined the United States Air Force, where he was stationed at Minot Air Force Base. It was in Minot, at the Barley Pop, that he met the love of his life, Denice. Their story began there and soon after lead to a phone call with Denice calling the bar asking for “Ron Dan Voorne” and the rest, as they say, was history.

After Denice completed her studies at Minot State, the couple moved to Dickinson, where they began their life together in 1982. Ron had a rare gift for connecting with people, he could truly sell ice to an Eskimo. Over the years, he worked for Koppinger Oil, Mann’s Automotive, Parkway Ford, and served the community through his work with Northwest Tire.

Ron’s true calling, however, was in public service. What began as a volunteer position as a reserve deputy for the Stark County Sheriff’s Office quickly blossomed into a deep passion for law enforcement. He served with both the Dickinson Police Department and the Stark County Sheriff’s Department. His service extended beyond the badge. Ron also volunteered with the city and rural fire departments and was a member of the local dive and rescue team.

Ron was especially proud of his work as a school resource officer. He believed deeply in the power of community policing and dedicated himself to building trust and connection with local youth. His legacy in the community is one of compassion, service, and unwavering dedication. He was an active member of the American legion and past President of the Eagles club where he dedicated more time to friends and community. 

Ron’s career in law enforcement also brought him lasting friendships that went far beyond the job with some becoming like family. Among them was his beloved and dear friend Tim, who stood beside him through life’s challenges and triumphs. The camaraderie and brotherhood he shared with his fellow officers were some of the most meaningful relationships of his life. To Ron and Denice, Tim has always been more than a friend, he’s felt like a son. To Adam and Tessa, he’s been the brother they never knew they needed. The bond they share with him is filled with love, support, and a deep sense of belonging that has become an irreplaceable part of their family no matter the distance between them. 

Outside of work, Ron cherished time spent in the outdoors. He loved fishing and going pheasant hunting especially when it meant time with his son Adam and his dad, Rich who came to ND every fall to pheasant hunt. A lifelong Detroit sports fan, Ron could often be found cheering on the Lions and the Tigers, no matter how the season was going (which for him and Adam was a painful many years). Those who knew him best will remember the joy he found in the little things: fall mornings in the field, a quiet day by the water, a round of golf, smoking a turkey on the Webber or an evening out with friends!

He also had a deep love for the open road and the freedom of riding his Harley-Davidson. Some of his happiest moments were spent cruising through the beautiful Black Hills with Denice and his sister and brother-in-law by his side. One of his proudest joys was sharing that passion with his daughter, Tessa, and teaching her to ride turning something he loved into fun memories together! 

Music was another lifelong passion for Ron. He had an encyclopedic knowledge of classic rock and could name the title, artist, and year of almost any song within five seconds of hearing it. Whether it was playing on the radio during a ride or blasting through the house, music was always present in his life. He also had a natural talent for karaoke, never shying away from the mic and always ready to entertain a crowd with a favorite tune and that unmistakable Ron charm. 

More than anything, Ron loved his family. Denice was the light of his life, his best friend, and the one he never stopped falling in love with. He often left her sweet love notes addressed to “Baby Cakes,” a simple but profound reminder of their enduring bond. Her heart will forever carry a space only he could fill. Ron and Denice were truly best friends and shared a love that serves as an example to everyone who knew them. They always made each other a priority, building a marriage filled with devotion, laughter, and unwavering support. Denice will forever cherish the beautiful memories they created together and the life they built side by side. Through their journey, Denice showed Ron and their children the true meaning of a promise kept: to love faithfully through both sickness and health.

He was endlessly proud of his children, Adam and Tessa, who continue to look up to him with deep respect and admiration. His strength, loyalty, and devotion to his family were unshakable. He passed down many of his greatest qualities to his children. To Adam, he taught the importance of strength, hard work, and loving your family above all else. Adam carries so many of his father’s traits and will forever treasure their time spent hunting, fishing, golfing, and cheering on the Lions together. He was always proud of the man Adam has become. He and Tessa also shared a special bond, with her inheriting his passion for community involvement, natural leadership, and a strong, determined and sometimes stubborn spirit. Tessa will always carry with her the love of the man who had her back no matter what, and she finds comfort in knowing that her brother will now carry on that role.

Ron’s greatest joy in life was being a grandpa and watching his grandchildren grow, attending their sports and extracurricular activities, and simply spending time with them. Taylor, Ethan, Jaxson and Bentlee will all cherish their time they spent with their grandfather throughout their lives. Those moments were where he felt most at home and most fulfilled. In addition, Ron welcomed those his children loved with open arms and a genuine heart. He had deep respect and affection for Adam’s wife, Alissa, and for Tessa’s partner, Jamie. To Ron, they weren’t just significant others, they were family. They both learned quickly he’s gonna dish it, and they better give it back! 

Ron will be remembered for his warm heart, sense of humor, and lifelong commitment to serving others. He leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and integrity that will live on through his family and all those whose lives he touched. 

After a lifetime of service and love, Badge #448 has answered his final call—End of Watch.

He is survived by his loving wife, Denice (Dickinson); his son Adam and wife Alissa, along with their children Taylor and Ethan (Bismarck); and his daughter Tessa and her partner Jamie, and their children Jaxson and Bentlee (Williston). He is also survived by his mother, Nancy Hitesman, and step-father Dave; his step-mother, Char; his brothers, Randy (Pam), Roger, and Matt (Kelly); his sister, Charlene (Brian) and many beloved nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Richard, and his sister, Connie and step-brother, Jeff.