Ronnie "Ron" Johnson

On November 18th, 2023, Ronnie Gene Johnson, 65, of Gering, NE, passed away peacefully in Loveland, CO with his brother by his side following a short battle with cancer. Ron’s greatest joy in life was to be surrounded by his friends and family having a good time. He always lived each moment to the fullest.

Ron was born in Lawrence, Kansas in 1958 the youngest son of, Mary and Warren Johnson. During the early years Ron spent the majority of his time enjoying the outdoors playing with his brothers and all the neighborhood kids. Many hours of fun were had playing red rover, hide-and seek, and whiffle ball until the street lights came on.

Ron attended Lawrence High School where he was active in cross country, track and journalism. Ron grew up swimming competitively during his summers and working as a lifeguard. Ron briefly attended The University of Kansas before going to work for the Kansas geological survey as a water well driller, traveling across the state of Kansas. Ron also worked for a framing contractor for a number of years. In 2013, Ron moved to the Panhandle where he worked at Menards and later Home Depot.

Though Ron never had children of his own he adored his nieces, nephews and their children. He was proud of each of them and was eager to hear about their life happenings. He looked forward to the opportunity to take them to the golf course, a sporting event, shopping or to explore his favorite places in Lawrence. Ron had a soft spot for furry friends, treating each one like the valuable family member they were. Ron especially loved spoiling his beloved beagle, Rocco and the two were inseparable, anywhere Ron was Rocco was sure to be by his side. Ron leaves behind many cherished friends from all over, who he spent countless hours with throughout their lives enjoying conversations surrounding life, a game of golf, pool, darts or poker. He rarely passed up the opportunity to enjoy a sporting event, delicious meal, or a cold beverage with his loved ones. Ron was an avid sports enthusiast always cheering on his favorite teams, the Jayhawks and Chiefs. Ron enjoyed bantering others over football and basketball games to bring a little light fun. He was a great storyteller often sharing stories of years passed.

Ron will always be remembered for his enjoyment of the simple things in life and love for his friends and family. Though Ron experienced illness and pain during his final years, he wouldn’t complain and would often be heard saying, “It is what it is.” Though his time earth-side felt too short, we are thankful he is at peace. We couldn’t have asked for a better son, brother, uncle and friend and will miss Ron every day. His memory will live on in the hearts of all those who loved him.

Ron was preceded in death by his parents, Mary and Warren Johnson and is left to be remembered by his older brothers, Gary (Maribel) Johnson and Randy (Janet) Johnson, nephews Nathan (Kelly) Johnson, Patrick Johnson and nieces Courtney Johnson and Amy (Clay) Otto, great nieces and nephews, Nicole, Shailee, Eli, Maddox, Blakely, Benson and Alexander, and many cherished friends.

Ron’s memorial service is December 1 at 2:00 pm at the First Baptist Church in Scottsbluff with Pastor Charlie Bagley officiating. Inurnment will take place at West Lawn Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations to the family or to the Panhandle Humane Society would be greatly appreciated. Fond memories and messages of sympathy may be shared for the family at www.dugankramer.com