Ronald Brakke

Ronald Brakke, a pioneer in the animal health industry, passed away on July 30, 2025, at the age of 84 from complications related to viral encephalopathy. Known for his entrepreneurial spirit, generosity and tireless work ethic, Ron left a lasting impression on those who knew him.

Ron was born to Sanford and Clara Eggert Brakke in 1940. He was raised near Forestburg, South Dakota, on his family’s farm. While in high school, his basketball team, the “Buccaneers” went to the South Dakota State B Tournament, a significant accomplishment for a small rural school. He fulfilled his military service in the Army National Guard from 1963 to 1971. South Dakota and his family farm remained central to his life where he would later welcome friends, family and business associates for cherished pheasant hunts.

While attending Augustana University in Sioux Falls, SD he held a part-time job with J.D. Lawton, a manufacturer of rodenticides. When Ron started selling products out of the trunk of his car, the marketing and sales side of the animal health industry captured his interest. This kicked off a career that would span six decades. He left his position as CEO of Zoecon in 1986 to found Brakke Consulting, a management consulting firm, that became a leading authority in the animal health industry.

In 1983, Ron completed the Advanced Management Program at Harvard Business School. His keen insight and encyclopedic knowledge of the industry culminated in the publication of his 2009 book, The U.S. Animal Health Industry: It’s Pioneers and Their Legacy of Innovation, which documented the stories of the individuals and companies that built the foundation of modern animal health.

In 2014, Ron received the Iron Paw Award from the Kansas City Animal Health Corridor, recognizing his contributions to the industry. In 2019, he was honored with the Alumni Achievement Award from Augustana, and he also served on their Board of Regents. He was a dedicated member of King of Glory Lutheran Church where he led many fundraising efforts.

Ron met his wife, Rebecca “Becky” Skalland, at Augustana and they were married in 1966. In 1968 they moved to Dallas where they raised their daughters Suzanne and Rachel. They recently celebrated their 59th wedding anniversary. Ron and Becky enjoyed entertaining friends in Ron’s favorite room, the Rathskeller. Norwegian Independence Day (Syttende Mai) was festively celebrated. Over the years precious neighbors became family, and the neighborhood came to know Ron as the one who picked up trash on his daily walks. Even in his final days, he extended kindness and gratitude to those around him especially his caregivers, Emeka, Ambrose, Martha and Ope.

In addition to his wife Becky, Ron is survived by his brother Allen (Jo) Brakke, daughters, Rebecca Suzanne (Mick) Moore and Dr. Rachel (Matt) Holman, and two precious grandchildren, Magnus and Hannah Holman.

Ron’s memorial service will be at 11:00 a.m., Friday, August 22, 2025, King of Glory Lutheran Church, 6411 LBJ Freeway with a reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes memorial gifts to the Brakke Endowed Scholarship Fund at Augustana University, 2001 S. Summit Ave, Sioux Falls, South Dakota, 57197 or Lutheran World Relief, 700 Light St. Baltimore, Maryland, 21230.