Ronnie Alfred Mesenbrink, the son of Alfred and Agnes (Siebold) Mesenbrink, was born on March 22, 1948, in Castana, IA. His childhood years were spent in Mapleton, IA, where he attended school and graduated from Maple Valley High School in 1967.

After high school, Ronnie enlisted in the US Navy on August 24, 1967. In 1969, he joined the Navy Reserves. He would later serve with the Air National Guard from 1976 until 1990 and then in 1995 until his retirement he served with the Army Reserves as a Sgt. E-7. During his distinguished career, he served in Vietnam and Operation Iraqi Freedom, where he received numerous medals.

In 1989, Ronnie met the love of his life, Teresa LaScala and they were united in marriage on July 2, 1998, in Cherokee, IA. They lived in various northwest Iowa towns before moving to Cherokee. Ronnie worked for Verco Seals in Spencer, Walmart, and most recently Hy-Vee in Cherokee.

Ronnie enjoyed camping,, attending the Clay County Fair, and traveling to the Black Hills with Teresa. He had a large collection of pocketknives, baseball caps, and watches. He was also an avid hunter and fisherman. Family was very important to him and he enjoyed the time spent with them especially his grandchildren. Ronnie was also an animal lover who adored his dogs Ace, Cami, Babe, and Lucky.

On Friday, January 24, 2025, Ronnie passed away at his residence in Cherokee, IA at the age of 76. He was preceded in death by his wife, Teresa Mesenbrink, his parents, Alfred and Agnes Mesenbrink, brother Mike Mesenbrink, and half-sister, Dorothy Mesenbrink.

He will lovingly be remembered by his children, Mark (Amber) Mesenbrink of Omaha, NE, Christina Mesenbrink of Lincoln, NE, and Matthew (Holly) Mesenbrink of Lincoln, NE; step-children, Lisa Blazek of Okoboji, IA, Tony (Ashley) Bennett of Sioux Falls, SD, and Todd Bennett of Spirit Lake, IA; 17 grandchildren; siblings, Pat Mesenbrink of Omaha, NE and Darlene Norman of Omaha, NE; and other nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.