Ronald (Ron) Dean Arnold

Ronald (Ron) Dean Arnold was born April 18th, 1957, in Fairbury, NE to Dale and Pauline (Scheer) Arnold. He passed away on July 8th, 2023, after a short, but courageous battle with cancer. Ron grew up on a farm by Hollenberg, KS and attended 1st and 2nd grade at Consolidated #11. When it closed, he attended Washington, KS Elementary School for one year completing the 3rd grade, where he met Nancy for the first time. His family then moved to Steele City, NE where he finished out his years of grade school and went on to Fairbury High School, graduating in 1975.  He and Nancy were married November 20, 1976, in Washington. To this union, two sons were born (Travis and Curtis) and they resided in Steele City until moving to Fairbury in 1985. He was employed by Kellwood, Peterson Vice Grip, and was later hired by the Nebraska Department of Transportation. In 2021, he took a medical retirement from NDOT after working 40 years, the latter part as Maintenance Supervisor.

There was nothing in life that brought him more joy than his family and friends. He was an avid follower of his grandchildren in their activities, never leaving home without a cooler full of snacks to make sure nobody went hungry. His hobbies included hunting, fishing, raising a garden to ensure vegetables for family and friends, raising goats, and collecting numerous Farmall memorabilia items. Recently, he took his entire family to Branson, MO and a few weeks later ventured out to a Kansas City Royals game that they actually won. He was a man of few words but lived the typical Arnold lifestyle, full of wise cracks and pranks to keep everyone on their toes.

Survivors include his wife Nancy, sons Travis (special friend Jonna) of Wymore, NE and their children Trevin, Taryn, Drake, Brock, Paxx, and Maverick, Curtis (wife Alicia) of Fairbury and their children Kinsley and Ansley. Other survivors include his brother Marvin Arnold of Salina, KS, sister Connie Holly of Lincoln, NE, sister-in-law Pat Arnold of Waukee, IA, brother-in-law(s) Jim (Kathy) Ouellette, Jerry (Sheila) Ouellette all of Washington, KS, and Jeff Ouellette of Plattsmouth, NE, along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and close friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Duane Arnold, brother-in-law Jason Ouellette, and sister-in-law Judy Matkin.

Services will be Friday, July 14, 2023, at 10:30 a.m. at Gerdes-Meyer Chapel with Lana Likens officiating. The family is requesting casual attire for the service. The family will greet friends Thursday evening from 5 – 7 at the funeral home.  Memorials will go to Cottonwood Hospice. Gerdes-Meyer Funeral Home is assisting with arrangements.  www.gerdesmeyerfh.com