Ronald Lee DeWester was born on July 30th, 1928 in Benkelman, NE to James M. DeWester and Nina E. (Bush) DeWester. He was called home to be with his Lord and his late wife Patty on March 28, 2018.
Ron graduated from Benkelman High School in 1945. After graduation Ron continued to work at Justus Feed Mill, the family owned business, established in 1921. He witnessed its 75th Anniversary before his retirement.
On May 24, 1948 Ron married his childhood sweetheart Patricia Ann Knapp in Benkelman, NE where they chose to raise their family and live out the rest of their lives. From this union Ron and Pat were blessed with four children. Ron was a devoted family man who cherished every moment with them. He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church and was a civic leader in his community. Ron resided as Mayor of Benkelman and also served many years on the City Council and Fire Department. Ron enjoyed piloting his airplane and in later years flying his model airplanes. Other hobbies included collecting rocks and Indian artifacts, hunting, fishing, camping, and riding motorcycles.
Preceding him in death were his wife Patricia Ann (Knapp); parents James and Nina DeWester; sisters Eva Gilmore, Dee Rodenbeck, and Nina Andrews; brother James (Bud) DeWester; and granddaughter Lindsey DeWester.
Survivors include: his children Mary Jo (Dean) Howard of Palisade, NE; Barbara Jean Blecha of Omaha, NE; Colleen Gay DeWester (John Knape) of Lincoln NE; Richard Alan (Julie) DeWester of Benkelman, NE. Grandchildren include: Jody (Steve) Crouse, DeAnn (Tim) Davis, Mandy (Erik) Buderus, Jake (Rebecca) Blecha, Justin Blecha, Cody (Kylee) DeWester, and 14 great grandchildren.
A rosary will be recited at 7:00 P.M. (MT), Thursday evening, April 5, 2018 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Benkelman with Father Matthew Eickhoff leading.
A memorial mass will take place at a later date.
No visitation; Ron chose cremation.
A memorial has been established in his memory.
Online condolences may be left at liewerfuneralhome.com
BENKELMAN MEMORIAL CHAPEL IS ENTRUSTED WITH ARRANGEMENTS