Ron "Herb" Wayne De Jong

Ron “Herb” De Jong, age 71, of Colton, passed away on Friday, April 12, 2024, at his home. Funeral services will begin at 10:30 AM Thursday, April 18, 2024, at Taopi Hall in Colton. Interment will be in the Colton Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5-7:00 PM Wednesday, at the Minnehaha Funeral Chapel, Colton. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Buffalo Christian Homeschool Academy or the Alzheimer’s Association.

Ron was born on November 14, 1952, to Jake and Gertrude (Van Duyn) De Jong. He resided in the Colton area his whole life. He married Rhonda Van Der Vliet on November 1, 1974. The couple had two children, Randy and Rochelle.

Ron farmed with his dad Jake until his passing in 2001. He then continued farming until handing the reins over to his son in 2009. At that time, Ron moved into Colton. Since then, Ron has helped his friend, Francis Kane, and his son Randy with planting and harvest. He also worked part time for Colton Redi Mix.

Ron enjoyed spending time with his grandkids and attending their activities, going to cattle sales with his son, hitting up his various coffee spots, and of course going to dances five nights a week with his second family.

Grateful for having shared his life are his children: Randy (Melanie) of Humboldt, and Rochelle (Tom) of Colman; four grandchildren: Taylor, RJ, Mataya, and Stetson; his mother, Gertrude; sisters, Mary (Al) Weinacht, Carol Mitchell, and Lori (Mike) Sehr all of Colton; and many other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his dad Jake, brother Dale, brother-in-law Jim, and a granddaughter, Emma.