Ronald Ray King

Ronald R. King was born November 2, 1930, in Creston, Nebraska to Bill and Luella (Collins) King. Ron grew up in Creston, NE, moving to Compton, CA for a short time during the depression. He moved back to Creston and graduated in 1946. Following graduation, he attended Midland College in Fremont. Growing up, Ron enjoyed cars, dancing, and music, even playing the guitar and piano. Ron enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, and was honorably discharged on June 1, 1952, serving as a radio operator and achieving the rank of Corporal. Ron married Margaret “Peggy” Christensen in Fremont, Nebraska on February 28, 1953, and to this union, three daughters were born: Beth, Linda and Julie. Ron and Peggy settled in Valley, Nebraska to raise their family. Peggy preceded Ron in death in May 2000. Ron worked his whole life as a bricklayer/mason. He even owned his own business for several years, Ron King Masonry, and was president of the Omaha Bricklayer’s Union in the 1960’s. In addition to his career, Ron was active in the Valley Masonic Lodge and Eastern Star, the American Legion, and the Fremont Area Marine Corps League. Ron was a smart, funny, and curious man who was open to new experiences, and was always the life of the party. He had a love of nature and being in the mountains or near the ocean. He was also an avid fisherman, especially fly fishing for trout. Ron enjoyed tending to his garden and was a voracious reader. He was proud of the life he led, from moving to California during the Great Depression to his military service, his marriage and family, to running his own business, Ron lived an accomplished life. He loved his family and all the large get-togethers with lots of food, and the numerous vacations and road trips they were able to take. He was an avid Husker fan, enjoyed a wide variety of music, and looked forward to a good martini and a good steak dinner. Ron will most be remembered as the best dad, and a superb host who wanted to make everyone laugh. Ron passed away on Thursday, May 15, 2025, at Valley Lakes Assisted Living in Valley, Nebraska at the age of 94 years, 6 months, and 13 days. He was preceded in death by his parents Bill and Luella, his beloved wife Peggy, and two sisters: Darlene Jones and Bonnie Schallitz. Ron is survived by his three daughters: Beth (Jeff) Milbrandt, Linda (Dave) Vencil, and Julie (Tomas) Negrete. Grandchildren: Nicole (Kevin) Olson, Josh Milbrandt, Melissa (Derek) Clary, Jaime (Willie) Hansen, Brett (Yumi) Danehey, Kellyn (Justin) Macon, Marci (Jim) Wiegand (and their children Jimmy, Laura, and David), Alex Negrete, and Marcel (Brooklyn) Negrete, and many nieces and nephews.

Ronald Ray King

November 2, 1930 - May 15, 2025