Ronald John Hansen Sr

Ronald John Hansen, Sr. was born November 11, 1955, in Fairfax, Virginia to Dale and Merna (Hull) Hansen. Ron grew up in Blair and Herman, Nebraska and attended Thone Elementary school and Goll, and went on to graduate from Blair High School in 1974. Growing up, Ron loved working on cars and helping with the family farm near Herman. Ron married his high school sweetheart, Debra Ann Pleskac on July 7, 1972, in Elk Pointe, South Dakota, and to this union, five children were born: Holli, Ronald Jr., Shannon, Angel and Melissa. Through the years, the family lived in Blair, Herman, and Arlington, Nebraska, in addition to the numerous places they were taken while Ron served in the Air Force. Ron worked for Kelly Ryan as a welder, at Union Pacific for a short time and a hog confinement in Lyons, NE. He then joined the Air Force in July 1976 where he spent 4 years on active duty, and 4 years in the Air National Guard. He then went to work at Valmont, where he worked as a pantograph operator. He retired from Valmont after 38 years. Throughout the years, he was on the Herman and Arlington Volunteer Fire Department, and he enjoyed helping with his parents on their poultry farm. Most recently, Ron was working as security at Woodhouse Ford, and he also loved helping his grandson’s construction business to keep himself active and entertained. Ron liked to go swimming at the YMCA and was fond of going out with family for coffee and pie. He kept his mind sharp by playing card games like Pitch and was active playing Candy Crush and checking up on family and friends on Facebook. He loved attending his grandkid’s activities, cherished his family, and considered all of his friends part of his family. Ron took great pride in playing Santa Claus for different organizations for over two decades! Ron was a big fan of the Kansas City Chiefs, classic Rock-n-Roll and hot cinnamon rolls. He loved a good cup of coffee or dinner at Mel’s Diner or Henry’s Diner. His favorite color was blue, and he could often be heard saying things like, “kiss my grandbabies!” “these are my peeps!” “they call me big papa!” or “Hey playa”. Ron’s favorite moments were the births of his grandchildren and great grandchildren, and his 51-year marriage to his high school sweetheart. Ron never met a stranger, and was always smiling, laughing and socializing. He had a twinkle in his blue eyes that was charismatic and a smile that was infectious, and he was hands down the best provider for his family. Ron loved with his whole heart, and he wanted everyone around him to be entertained and feel welcome. Ron passed away unexpectedly as a result of an accident on Friday, November 10, 2023, one day before his 68th birthday. He was preceded in death by his parents Merna & Dale Hansen, grandson Austin Hansen, brother Steven Hansen, and parents-in-law Joe & Nona Pleskac. Survived by wife Debra, children: Holli (Jim) Heinke of Nickerson, NE, Ronald J. Hansen, Jr. of Kansas City, MO, Shannon Hasenauer, and partner Greg Sampson of Fontenelle, NE, Angel & Eric Bokelman of LaVista, NE, and Melissa Hansen of Kearney, NE, many grandchildren and great grandchildren, brother Mark & Lisa Hansen of Bellevue, NE, and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and other extended family. Funeral service 10:30 AM Thursday at the City Auditorium in Arlington, NE. Interment with military honors at the Arlington Cemetery. Visitation Wednesday 5-7 PM at Reichmuth Funeral Home, Elkhorn. Memorials to the Arlington Volunteer Fire Department.

Ronald John Hansen Sr

November 11, 1955 - November 10, 2023