IN LOVING MEMORY OF
Ronald Elmer
Ochs
April 29, 1949 – February 24, 2024
Obituary
Ronald E. Ochs, 74, of Grand Island, NE died Saturday, February 24, 2024, at Ascension Via Christi-St. Francis Hospital in Wichita, KS the result of an automobile accident. Ron's life will be celebrated Monday, March 25, 2024, from 4 – 7 p.m. at Curran Funeral Chapel, in Grand Island, NE with a Remembrance Service at 7 p.m. Sue Schuckman will officiate. You are encouraged to sign Ron's guestbook at www.curranfuneralchapel.com under his obituary. Curran Funeral Chapel is assisting the family.
Ron was born April 29, 1949 in Ransom, KS to Elmer and Norma (Sunter) Ochs. He grew up in Utica, KS, graduating from high school in 1967. He earned a Bachelor Degree from Fort Hays State College, where he was a member of the Rodeo Club. While in college Ron met Toni Lee Dietz. The couple married on August 21, 1971. They were blessed with a son, Benjamin James in 1983.
Ron was a husband, father, brother, rodeo cowboy, recreational golfer, hunter, fisherman, horse trainer, dog lover and a friend to many.
During high school, college, and early married years, Ron sang baritone in several barbershop quartets: "The Travel Aires" and later "The Personal Touch", who were Central States District Champions and competed in International Competitions in Atlantic City and New Orleans. He enjoyed singing with Greg Lyne, Roger O'Dell, and Stan Grossman.
Ron worked for Vigortone Feed Co. for a time before he fell in love with a wedding gift – a thoroughbred race horse – and with that gift the life of a thoroughbred horse trainer was ignited. He spent a year as Assistant Manager of T90 Ranch in Tenino, WA. Ron, along with his wife, Toni, began studying the racing life in the barn of Virgil and Eleanor Beavers at Fonner Park in Grand Island, NE. It was an education of a lifetime. He enjoyed the horses, the challenges, the competition, the friends, early mornings with the sun rising over the track, the jockeys, jockey agents, gallop boys, grooms, and the hustle and bustle that awakens all race tracks across the country. It wasn't a job ~ it was a lifestyle that developed. He made his home in Grand Island, but for years the race track was his "Home at Heart". After leaving the race track business, he assisted Dr. William Reed in establishing Stonecrest Farm in Kansas City, MO, home of Graded Stakes winner Perfect Drift.
In 1994 Ron had a serious heart attack and it is due to the skill and dedication of many medical people that he lived thirty more years. He lived them differently and in the company of his dogs. He was a complicated person – but one worth knowing.
Ron leaves behind one brother, Jim and sister-in-law, Joyce, three sisters, Phyllis, Nancy, and Tina, Goddaughter, Shelley, nieces and nephews, his wife of 52 years, Toni, and his son Benjamin James.
A portion of memorials will be given to Voice for Companion Animals in Grand Island, NE in order that people and animals can unite to enrich each other's' lives.
The family would like to acknowledge Fonner Park Race Track and Staff as the place where Ron's adventure all began. They also would like to give credit to Earl Kuhn, a good friend and well know Western Artist for the service folder cover art.
Celebration of Life Gathering
Curran Funeral Chapel
Monday, March 25, 2024
4:00 PM - 7:00 PM
3005 South Locust Street
Grand Island, NE 68801
Memorial Service
Curran Funeral Chapel
Monday, March 25, 2024
7:00 PM
3005 South Locust Street
Grand Island, NE 68801
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Ronald Elmer Ochs, please visit our flower store.
Ronald Elmer Ochs's Guestbook
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