Ronald "Ronnie" W McFarland

There will be a graveside at 10:00 am, Friday, December 19th, 2025, at West Lawn Cemetery in Gering, Nebraska.

Ronnie was born on December 4, 1954, in Gering, Nebraska, to Lois and Charles McFarland. Ronnie grew up in Gering, where he developed lifelong roots and a deep appreciation for the community that shaped him.

During his freshman year of high school, Ronnie met Peggy Hicks, the love of his life. Their bond was immediate and enduring, blossoming into a marriage that became the cornerstone of his life. Together, they built their family home in Gering, where they raised their three children, Jenn, Shawn, and Linz. Ronnie’s devotion to Peggy and their family was evident in every choice he made, every laugh shared, and every moment spent together.

Always a mechanic by trade, in 1993, Ronnie opened his family business, Realistic Automotive, a shop that quickly became more than just a place to fix cars. With the help of his family, Ronnie welcomed customers who, over the years, grew into cherished family friends. His dedication and skill behind the wrench were unmatched, but the physical toll eventually led him to close the business in 2011.

Ronnie’s life was deeply enriched by his work with the Matthew Project. For many years, he faithfully delivered warm meals, clothing, and comfort twice a week to those in need. Through this service, he built lasting bonds and shared countless moments of kindness. His dedication was more than volunteering-it was a reflection of his loving heart and the kind of man he truly was.

Never one to sit still, Ronnie’s vibrant personality and love for people kept him engaged in the customer service industry in one way or another. Whether through his business or later endeavors, Ronnie thrived on building connections, sharing stories, and making everyone he met feel valued.

Ronnie will be remembered for his unwavering love, his loyalty to family, and his pride in the place he called home. His greatest joys in life were spending time with all of his grandchildren, and the great-grandchildren that were gifted to him with over the years. His legacy lives on through his family and the countless memories he created with those fortunate enough to know him.

Ronnie was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Lois McFarland; his brother Stanley McFarland; parent-in-laws Lavern and Norma Hicks; brothers-in-law Michael Hicks and Randal “Coonie” Conrad; sister-in-law Audrey Heilbrun; and granddaughter Kelsey Baltz.

He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Peggy (Hicks) McFarland; their children Jennifer (Billy) Lujan, Shawn (Jackie) McFarland, and Lindsey (Harold) Pafford; his brothers Vince (Sandy) McFarland, Leonard (Mary) McFarland, and Chuck McFarland; his in-laws Jeff (Susan) Hicks, Tom (Maggie) Hicks, and Lori Conrad; as well as many nieces, nephews, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, extended family members, and friends who will carry his memory forward.

There are not enough words to express our gratitude to the staff of Heritage Estates. We are deeply thankful to the dedicated caregivers, whose patience, warmth, and devotion brought comfort to our Dad and our family during this difficult time.