Ronald James Lantaff, 73, of Horton, Kansas, passed away on September 3, 2013 at the Horton Community Hospital. He was born on November 23, 1939 in Beresford, South Dakota the son of Lawrence and Martha Turner Lantaff. Ron graduated from Beresford High School. After high school he enlisted in the U.S. Airforce in 1957 serving during the Korean Conflict. Then in 1963 he enlisted in the U.S. Army serving during the Vietnam Era. After his military service he went back to the University of South Dakota in 1969 and received his Bachelor of Science in Education and his Master of Arts in 1972. Ron received his Doctor of Philosphy from Kansas State University in 1975 and while there served as instructor for the Teachers Corps. He taught in Vermillion, South Dakota, taught at Idaho State University and was a grant writing specialist, served as Principle and Assistant Superintendent in Garden City. He then served as Superintendent in Ellinwood, Kansas, Pretty Prairie and Horton, Kansas. Ron then was an Assistant Professor at Washburn University before retiring. He was a member of the St. Leo's Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus and served as Grand Knight, Lions Club, Rotary Club, Horton Hospital Board and the Tri-County Manor Board. Ron was very active in church, served as lector and sacristan, taught religious education, served on the church council and as finance council chairperson, and loved to sing in the choir. Ron was a kind loving man, always helping others and received numerous other awards. On January 27, 1968 he married Dorothy Birgen in Beresford, South Dakota. She survives of the home. Other survivors include a son, Michael Lantaff of Lafayette, Colorado; two sisters, Jeanne Kolbeck of Salem, South Dakota and Mary Margaret "Peggy" (Ron) Weyen of Alcester, South Dakota; two brothers, Larry (Jan) Lantaff Jr. of Harrisburg, South Dakota and Daniel Lantaff of Robindale, Alabama; numerous brother and sister-in-laws, nieces, nephews and friends. Ron was preceded in death by his parents, brother Bob and nephew, Michael Weyen. Funeral Mass will be at 10:30 A.M. on Friday, September 6, 2013 at the St. Leo's Catholic Church in Horton, Kansas. A Rosary will be recited at 7:00 P.M. on Thursday evening at the Dishon-Maple-Chaney Mortuary where the family will greet friends following the rosary. Graveside services will be at 1:00 P.M. on Saturday at St. John's Catholic Cemetery in Beresford, South Dakota. Memorials may be sent to the ALS Foundation.