DENVER, COLO. (OCT. 17, 2001) -- Former South Dakota athletic director John Roning, 90, died October 3 in Denver, Colo.

Roning, nicknamed "Gentleman John," was a respected member of the sports community across the country. Following World War II service in the U.S. Navy, Roning was hired as football coach and athletic director at Utah State University, serving for four years. At Utah State, he was twice named Skyline Conference Coach of the Year. Roning was the head football coach at Denver University before taking the athletic director job at South Dakota in 1961. Roning, who coached South Dakota's golf team during his tenure, stayed at South Dakota until 1971. Later, he served as commissioner of the Big Sky Conference. Roning also coached in Minnesota's prep ranks and spent three years at Gustavus Adolphus College. A 1935 graduate of the University of Minnesota, he played for the Gophers during coach Bernie Bierman's "Golden Days" from 1932-34. Roning was a member of Rotary International and a mason in University Lodge #316 A.F. and A.M. in Minneapolis, Minn. He is survived by his wife, Agnes Geib Roning; daughter Ann R. Roemer, two grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. A memorial tribute will be held at noon on Friday, Oct. 26 at Parkplace, 111 Emerson Street, Denver, Colo. Contributions may be made to Odyssey Hospice, 2460 W. 26th Ave., #250 C, Denver, Colo., 80211.