Ronald LeRoy Trask

Obituary of Ronald Leroy Trask (February 15, 1949 to December 1, 2025)

Ronald Leroy Trask passed away of natural causes at home in Gillette, Wyoming on December 1, 2025. He was 76 years old. Ronnie was born in Rapid City, SD on February 15, 1949, the fifth of six children of Henry Leroy Trask and Lila Maxine Molar. He is survived by five children (Lonnie, Leane, Tyler, Garrett, and Curtis), thirteen grandchildren, a younger sister (Barbara), an older brother (Bob), and scores of loving family members and friends (special thanks to son-in-law Rick and nephew Frank). His older sister (Lila) and two older brothers (Lester and William) passed before he did. Over the course of his life, Ronnie was married to three strong and incredible women (Diane, Susan, and Janyce) who gave him the amazing families he so cherished, including step-children (Justin, Tracy, Amanda, and Tamie).

A country boy through-and-through, Ronnie grew up around Wall, SD where he developed a passion for working with horses on his family’s ranch. He remained close to horses for the rest of his life—training, riding, running cattle, rodeoing, and working a dude ranch in retirement. Ronnie truly ‘worked hard and played harder’, for better and worse. He was a railroad worker, copper and coal miner, cowboy hatmaker, heavy-equipment operator, and long-haul trucker. He could be tough, stubborn, and ornery, but also tenderly affectionate, sentimental, and open-hearted. His playful and generous nature was a joy to be around. We will always love and miss the man he was. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Leane Kaness and family to go towards Remembrance of Ronnie to his children and grandchildren in the spring. A celebration of life will take place December 20, 2025, at the Robbinsdale Lounge from 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. at East St. Patrick Street., Rapid City, South Dakota. A private interment will take place prior to the celebration of life.