Ronald E. Wanner
SMITH CENTER- Ronald E. Wanner was born to Ervin & Lenora Wanner on February 13, 1938 in Oxford, NE. At the age of two the family moved to a farm north of Thornburg. Ronnie attended Pleasant Hill School. His school years ended at 8th grade to care for his parents. Ronnie and his brother Gary spent countless hours hunting and trapping which they really enjoyed working and playing beside each other. They also helped their parents raise large amounts of garden produce.
In 1956 at the age of 18 he joined the National Guard in which he served for six years with his lifelong friend Ed Reinking. Within these years, he began working for Arden Dierdorff. Working alongside Arden, Ronnie felt farming was his calling in life.
In 1959, he met Joan Shellito whom became his lifelong partner. 1960 Easter Sunday they joined in marriage at The First Christian Church, Phillipsburg, Kansas. Born to this union four children. Myron Leon, Lori Ann, Martin Keith, Lynne Maria.
Ronnie enjoyed family fishing parties, going hunting, helping with fair projects and attending grandchildren’s sporting events. With his love for the land, Ronnie could always be found on a piece of farm equipment with his buddy seat occupied by one of his eleven grandchildren.
On January 22, 2012 Ronnie left behind his wife Joan, four children ten grandchildren and one great-grand child. Myron and wife Manda of Smith Center; two grandchildren Dusty & Johny , Lori and husband Glen Stahnke of Ottawa; two grandchildren Derek and Justina and one great-grandchild Jordan , Martin (Marty) and wife Bonnie of Smith Center; three grandchildren Christopher, Nicholas and Garrett. Lynne and husband Jerrod Wagner of Smith Center; three grandchildren Wyatt, Gavin and Owen.
Preceded in death by his parents Ervin & Lenora, brother Gary, and nephew Dustin. Brother in-law Huston and wife Joanne Shellito. Brother in-law Don Shellito.
Visitation will be from 5 PM until 8 PM Tuesday, January 24, 2012 at the Simmons-Rentschler Mortuary.
Funeral services will be held at 10AM Wednesday, January 25, 2012 at the Simmons-Rentschler Mortuary in Smith Center with Pastor Dennis Lambert officiating.
Burial will follow in the Fairview cemetery.
The family requests memorial contributions be made to the Thornburg Church and can be sent in care of the mortuary.
Dear Family,
We are so sad to hear of Ron’s passing. Our love and prayers are with all of you. We hope you find comfort in sharing stories and memories of him, but most of all celebrating his love of life and his love for you. God bless you all.
On behalf of LaVerna, Jerry, Virginia, Kristen, Brett, Amy and all the kids.
Thinking of you and your family Marty.
God Bless,
Shane Nichols
We were so sorry to hear about Ronnie…what a nice, hardworking man he was! Just wanted you to know you are in our thoughts and prayers. May your wonderful memories of him give you strength, hope, and comfort.
Sincerely,
John and Julie McDonald
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. God Bless this family and give them strength in this time of sorrow.
Sincerely
Roy Michele & Nicole Woods
We have been at the No-til conference the past two days and got home last evening. Keith is a Certified Crop Advisor and is required to earn so many points each year by attending a variety of sessions. It is his goal to earn some of his points at this annual conference each year. We were sorry to learn of Ronnie’s passing and missed the funeral. He touched so many lives and we will miss him. We appreciate your families seed business over the years. With sympathy we send our love and e-mail hugs to you. Keith, Pat and family
We are absolutely heartsick! Luckily we have such great memories of Ron over the years. We will miss him and his great sense of humor. Sending our heartfelt sympathy!!
Joan and family-lifting you up in prayer at this time.