Ronald W. Symens

Mr. Ronald W. "Ron" Symens, age 64 of rural Willow Lake, died at his home early Friday morning, July 28, 2006 from an apparent heart attack.Funeral services will be Tuesday, August 1 at 10AM in the United Presbyterian Church at Willow Lake with Pastor Jim Uthe officiating. Burial will follow in Collins Cemetery at Willow Lake. Aris Schmidt will be the organist with the congregation singing "Gathering Flowers for the Masters Bouquet", "Breathe on me, Breath of God" and "Peace in the Valley". Ushers will be Duane Seefeldt, Bob Syring and Nolan Froke. The casketbearers will be Vern Fleeger, Jim Atkins, Peter Maffei, Clifton Bratland, George Siebrands, Ron Schmidt, Don Lamp and Richard Austin. Visitation will be held on Monday from 5-7 PM at the Church in Willow Lake.He was born at Huron on March 1, 1942, the son of John & Helen (Carstensen). He was schooled in a country school near Willow Lake and was a 1960 graduate of Willow Lake High School. Following his schooling he became a member of the 147th Army National Guard. On September 24, 1966 he was united in marriage to JoLayne 'Jody' Faiferlick at the Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Vienna. The couple has always lived and farmed southwest of Willow Lake. Farming was always first to Ron and his other work consisted of being an electrician and driving a semi truck. He was a member of the United Presbyterian Church in Willow Lake where he had served as usher for many years. Even though he lived on the farm, Ron was very involved in many Willow Lake activities including being an EMT, a member of the Willow Lake Lions Club and being on the Willow Lake school board for 21 years. He also served on the Collins Township board for many years. Grateful for having shared in his life is his wife JoLayne 'Jody' of Willow Lake, children, Curtis Symens and wife Denise of Pine Bluff, Arkansas, Terri Symens of Brookings and Brent Symens of Willow Lake, grandchildren Mitchell and Morgan, his father, John Symens of Bryant, his brother Rick Symens and wife Sharon of Willow Lake, nieces, nephews and a host of friends. Preceding him in death was his Mother, Helen Symens on February 18, 2004.Arrangements are be announced by the Furness Funeral Home at Clark.email condolences to www.furnessfuneralhome.com