Ronald Eugene Bell

Ronald Eugene Bell, 95, of Kearney, passed away, on Feb. 11, 2025, at Brookstone Gardens in Kearney.

A memorial graveside service for Ronald E. Bell will be held at a later date at the Fort McPherson National Cemetery at rural Maxwell with Military Honors provided by the North Platte Veteran’s Honor Guard in conjunction with the United States Air Force Funeral Honors Team. 

Ron was born in Fullerton on Oct. 28, 1929, the youngest of two children, born to Willis and Viola (Russell) Bell. He received his education from Fullerton District #56 and North Star District #50 schools.

Following his education, Ron farmed at Fullerton until 1951, when he joined the United States Air Force. He was honorably discharged on July 13, 1959, and he then returned to farming and worked for International Harvester as a diesel mechanic. 

On April 27, 1953, Ron was united in marriage to Louisa “Dea” Kelsy in South Dakota. The family moved to North Platte where Ron started working for Union Pacific Railroad and worked there until his retirement on Oct. 28, 1991. Dea preceded Ron in death on Sept. 21, 1987.

On May 11, 1991, Ron married Pauline E. Callahan at the Methodist Church in Holdrege. The couple made their home in North Platte until 1991 when they moved to Funk. Pauline preceded Ron in death on March 8, 2018. 

Ron enjoyed fishing, camping, gardening, traveling, and woodworking — especially making birdhouses. Ron had a lifelong friend, Johnita Horn, in Fullerton, and they had many long phone calls. During the final chapter of his life, Ron was well cared for by his niece, Sara (Horacek) Malzacher, and nephew, Justin Horacek, and his wife, Jennifer (Jarosz) Horacek. He had a special place in his heart for his great-great-niece, Maddie Horacek. 

He was a member of the Loup Valley Sams Camping Club, as well as the Holdrege Methodist Church, where he helped usher many Sundays. 

Ron is survived by his nephew, Ralph Horacek and his wife, Jeanne of Fullerton; two nieces: Jeri (Horacek) Rieken of Norfolk, Nebraska; Janis (Horacek) Gress and her husband, Kurt of Columbus, Nebraska; and a host of great-nieces and nephews, great-great-nieces and nephews, other relatives and friends.

Ron was preceded in death by his parents; one sister, Bette Horacek and her husband, Donald; and one nephew-in-law, Tom Rieken.

There will be no visitation or memorial book signing. The family is honoring Ron’s wish for cremation.

A memorial has been established in Ron’s honor and kindly suggested to the family for later designation.

Expressions of caring and kindness can be sent to the family at www.nelsonbauerfh.com 

The Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home in Holdrege is in charge of the arrangements.