A Memorial Mass for Ron Kallhoff, age 78, of O'Neill will be at 11:00 am Thursday, February 16, 2023 at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in O'Neill. Fr. Bernard Starman will officiate. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church. Ron passed away on Monday, February 13, 2023 at Avera St. Anthony's Hospital in O'Neill. Memorials may be directed to his family for future designation. Arrangements are entrusted to Biglin's Mortuary in O'Neill.

Ronald Eugene Kallhoff was born on September 3, 1944 in O'Neill, Nebraska to Albert and Clara (Tomjack) Kallhoff. He graduated from O'Neill High School in 1963, where he was a proud member of the O'Neill Eagles football team.

Ron moved to Central City where he worked for the Rainbow Bread company. Later, he returned to O'Neill and began what would become his lifelong occupation, working on the family ranch. He loved being a rancher. Calving, fixing fence, haying, and working cattle was as enjoyable to him as it was work. The daily activities of ranching life were both his occupation and his recreation.

He married Carol Donlin in O'Neill. To this union, two children were born: Brad and Chad. They later divorced. Ron married Linda Gettert on August 26, 1974 in O'Neill. They had one daughter, Lindsey.

Ron was always happiest when surrounded by his family. He had many great memories of living for a time when he was a teenager with his sister Joan and her family, and tending cattle out in the Sandhills. For the rest of his life, he considered himself the big brother of Joan and Connie's ten children. He also adored his grandchildren, and he loved all children. His many nieces, nephews, and neighbor kids loved spending time with Uncle Ronnie on the ranch. He was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting, especially during deer season. He collected coins and loved sharing his finds with his grandchildren. He enjoyed old western movies and television shows. Those stories were likely the source of his interest and latest occupation, raising buffalo.
He loved talking trucking and other life pursuits with his longtime friend, Augie Waterman, who is still driving the highways. Ron was a man who enjoying teasing people and getting them to engage from a defensive stance.

Ron is survived by his wife, Linda Gettert Kallhoff of O'Neill; children, Brad Kallhoff of Butte, NE, Chad (Rebecca) Kallhoff of San Tan Valley, AZ, and Lindsey (Rod) Preusker of Lincoln, NE; 10 grandchildren, Brandon Kallhoff, Stephanie Kallhoff, Jacob Kallhoff, Austin Kallhoff, Jessica Kallhoff, Cole Kallhoff, Samantha Kallhoff, Claire Preusker, Nora Preusker, and Hattie Preusker; 16 great grandchildren; his sister, Sherri Strong of Norfolk; brother-in-law, Cornelius Murphy of Stuart; and many nieces and nephews.

Ron is preceded by his parents; 4 sisters, Darlene (Jack) Hoskins, Joan Murphy, Bernice (Bob) Summers, Pat (Jack) Glaser; and brother-in-law, Sam Strong.