Ronald Leon Callies, age 71, of Mitchell, SD died Friday, August 21, 2015 at Avera McKennan Hospital. Funeral services will be 10:30 AM Wednesday, August 26, 2015 at Will Funeral Chapel with a 2:00 PM burial at St. John's Lutheran Cemetery, Howard, SD. Visitation will be from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM Tuesday, August 25, 2015 at the Will Funeral Chapel. Arrangements are under the direction of the Will Funeral Chapel. Ronald Leon Callies, son of Robert and Helen (Freeman) Callies, was born July 6, 1944 in rural Canova, SD. He grew up on the family farm and attended school in Howard, graduating from Howard High School in 1962. While in high school, Ron worked on the construction of Interstate 90. After high school, he entered the South Dakota Air Guard. Ron then began his employment with East River Electric as a power lineman and also built substations near Marshall, MN. Ron was united in marriage with Denise (Tyrrell) Kampshoff on December 13, 1969 in Howard, SD. The couple made their home on a farm south of Mitchell. He taught in the Power Lineman Program for three years at Mitchell VoTech. He then was employed at Western Area Power Association for 22 years, retiring in 2004. Ron was a member of IBEW (International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers), the American Legion and the Moose Lodge. He enjoyed horses, fishing, camping, dancing and baseball and was an avid Twins Fan. Ron loved his grandchildren and attending their sporting activities. Grateful for having shared his life are his five children, Tami (Tom) Sudbeck, Mitchell, SD, Danelle (Doug) Miiller, Ethan, SD, Lanette (Clayton) Dean, Artesian, SD, Ronda Carpenter, Mitchell, SD, Angie (Jerry) Wright, Mitchell, SD; 17 grandchildren; two great grandchildren; two brothers, Reg (Kathy) Callies, Longville, MN, Kevin (Joyce) Callies, Brandon, SD; several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Bob Kampshoff; a sister, Caroline; two brothers, Galen and LaRon.