By Watertown Current - March 26, 2026 in 
Ron Schneider, 73 of Watertown
Ronald James Schneider (“Ronnie”) was born January 21, 1953, in Aberdeen, SD and officially road off on March 26, 2026.
Ron grew up in Aberdeen, SD, where he met the love of his life, Margaret Brown, in high school. They married in 1973 and began their life together in Watertown, SD—a move that would turn into a lifetime of family, music, laughter, and stories that will never be forgotten.
Ron’s career was anything but ordinary. Alongside his friend Steve Graves, he worked at Engle Music before the two bought the store and transformed it into The Music Tree. In true Ronnie fashion, he didn’t just sell instruments—he built a community. His passion for music and people led to an unforgettable honor when The Music Tree was inducted into the South Dakota Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2018.
After his music store days, Ron spent many years selling office equipment at Cook’s Office Supply. But sitting still was never his thing, so in 2001 he started selling cars at Sharp’s Automotive—where countless customers quickly became friends. He continued working there right up until the day he passed. Multiple people recently remembered him simply as “the guy I bought my first car from,” which perfectly sums up Ron’s legacy: he wasn’t just part of people’s lives—he was part of their stories.
Ron was the kind of man who showed up for everyone, for everything, all the time. He loved music, loved people, loved to talk, and loved to make you laugh—whether you planned on laughing or not. He also loved talking politics… enthusiastically… and at length… whether anyone asked or not. Agree or disagree, you were definitely getting the full conversation.
Ron especially loved his family: his wife Margaret, his three children, his fifteen grandchildren, and his two great-grandchildren, who were a constant source of pride, joy, and stories he never got tired of telling. He also loved his “dirty biker buddies,” was an avid gun enthusiast, loved weightlifting, traveling with Margaret, was a black belt in Shodokan, and enjoyed hunting—pursuits he approached with the same energy and joy that marked his entire life. Ronnie simply lived his life by two words: “Groovy, baby.”
More than anything, Ron loved his family and the life he built with Margaret. The world feels quieter without him, but the stories, laughter, and memories he leaves behind will keep playing on repeat.
A celebration of Ron’s life will be announced. In the meantime, the family asks that you honor him the best way possible: share a story, play some music, help someone out, and don’t forget to laugh.
