Ronnie “Jo” Schledewitz was born on June 7th, 1956, in Culbertson, Montana. He was the youngest of six children born to LaVern and Mavis Schledewitz. As the baby of the family, they always said he was spoiled. His siblings loved to share that once he was the last one left at home he went out and bought a dishwasher, so he wouldn’t be stuck doing the dishes.

After graduation he joined the Army National Guard. Over the years he was enlisted, he received various certifications, drove tanks, spent time helping at the Deer Lodge Prison during their strike, and spent time at Ft. Knox, KY. In 1984 he married Karen Wendorf and together they had three children, Tyson, Dan, and Emmarie.

He had a love for the land and outdoors, spending a small amount of time farming and ranching along the Missouri River. Thereafter, he spent most of his years working construction and truck driving, especially enjoying beet harvest. Through the years work had taken him to Alaska, Oregon, and Oklahoma before returning to Sidney. He was always busy with a project whether it be yard work, painting, wood working, or tinkering and fixing up old lawnmowers. He had a knack for telling very believable tall tales, that left you questioning if it was true. He had a dry sense of humor that was behind every gift, letter, or card he wrote. His plans or crazy ideas always had a purpose, intent, or lesson whether we realized it at the time or not.

After retiring he enjoyed watching his grand dog Kujo, although for a costly rate. Early morning visits to his grandsons, bringing donuts, chocolate bars, or any other treats their mom wouldn’t buy them. The many phone calls to family, weekly visits to see his mom, kids, and grandkids.

Ronnie “Jo” unexpectedly passed away on Monday February 10, 2025, in Culbertson, Montana.

Jo is survived by his children, Tyson Schledewitz, Dan (Charli) Schledewitz, and Emmarie (Kyle) Koppinger; grandsons Hayden, Barrett, and Myles Koppinger; mother, Mavis Schledewitz; sisters Rhonda Miller, Sharon (Jim) Salvevold, and Shirley (Rex) Niles; brother Loren (Paula) Schledewitz; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was proceeded in death by his father, LaVern Schledewitz; brother, Gary Schledewitz; and brother-in-law, Gary Miller.