DAVID A. RONK, M.D.

David Augustine Ronk died a week after his 69th birthday on November 29, 2014 at St. Francis Hospital in Tulsa, OK. After a seven and a half year long battle with Multiple Myeloma, David (or "Dr. Ronk" to many) died in peace as the sun was setting on Saturday evening.

Born in Baltimore, MD to Margaret and Harold Ronk, David was the oldest of eight children. From peeling potatoes for dinner, being an altar boy at church, and even changing diapers of the youngest, David was a beloved son and brother that took pride in his responsibilities as the eldest child. His father was a 1st Sergeant in the U.S. Army so they moved frequently and even lived in Munich, Germany for a time.

He met and married the love of his life, V. Kaye Ronk, who he started dating while co-eds at The University of Oklahoma where they enjoyed OU football and Greek Life along with his studies. David was a brother at Lambda Chi Alpha. His college years were among his favorite memories.

David and Kaye married on June 22, 1968. David continued his education at OU's Medical School, graduating in 1971, and all three of his children were born while he was completing his residency at OU Health Sciences Center in Oklahoma City. David and his young family then moved to Fort Riley, KS where he served as a Major in the U.S. Army and worked as a physician. In 1976, the Ronk's moved back to Norman, OK and David started in private practice as Obstetrician/Gynecologist. He delivered many babies in the coming years and even served as Chief of Staff at Norman Regional Hospital in the 80s. In 1989, David moved to the San Francisco Bay Area and joined California Pacific GYN/OB practice to support Kaye's job promotion to the West Coast. For 11 years, they enjoyed gorgeous views of the Bay, great food & wine, good friends, and beautiful weather. Their children were now adults and with Kaye's retirement, they moved back to Oklahoma (Tulsa, this time) to be near family. David not quite ready to retire, joined Planned Parenthood of the Heartlands and served as Associate Medical Director of OK and AR, even through the challenges of his ongoing cancer treatment.

While David loved his career as a physician, his devotion to his family was the highlight of his life, especially in his role of grandfather. Once a pilot, hunter, muscle-car enthusiast, David mostly enjoyed learning new things, was quite the history buff, loved Classic Rock music and was an avid reader. He is a long-term member of First Presbyterian Church and served as a Deacon in Norman, OK and an Elder in San Rafael. CA. In Tulsa, he became a 32nd degree Mason of Masonic Lodge Akdar #555, and was also an active member of the Tulsa Scottish Rite and Akdar Shine. He loved being a part of the "Kar Buffs" and driving his Camaro in many parades across Oklahoma. As a member of The Tulsa Men's Club, David and Kaye enjoyed many special events, especially the dances.

David is survived by his spouse, V. Kaye Ronk; Daughter, Emily D. (Zemke) Fryer married to Don S. Fryer, and her children Joseph A. "Gus" Zemke, Olivia P. Ronk, Peyton J. Fryer, and Luke S. Fryer; Daughter, Ruth Anne Hurst and her son, Andrew K. Hurst; Son, O. Kingsley Ronk and his daughter, Memphis G. Ronk; Siblings, Suzanne van Ronk, Stephen Ronk, Harold Ronk, Jr., James Ronk, Robert Ronk, William Ronk, and Ronald Ronk; Mother-in-law, Marjorie R. Oliver; Sisters-in-law, JoAnne Leikam and Deanna Johnston and her husband, James Johnston; and many nieces and nephews.

David was predeceased by his loyal canines & felines for whom he loved to care for: Bob, Fred, Martha, Abraham, Charlie, Felix, Lexy, and Scarlet.

Visitation will be from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 2, 2014 at Fitzgerald's Southwood Colonial Chapel. Service will begin at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, December 3, 2014 at Fitzgerald's Southwood Colonial Chapel. Fitzgerald's Southwood 918-291-3500. Share memories at www.fitzgeraldivychapel.com .

The Ronk Family would like to recognize the Medical Team at UAMS in Little Rock, AR under the leadership of Dr. Bart Barlogie who extended his life with his Multiple Myeloma treatments, and local oncologist Dr. Alan Keller, who oversaw David's care from the beginning.

Friends can honor David's memory with donations to:
Akdar Shrine Hospital Transportation Fund, http://www.akdarshrine.org/

In summary, David blessed so many during his time on earth, a servant at heart, and generous with his time, talent, and dollars. He is dearly missed. "Well done, good and faithful servant." Matthew 25:23