Ronald Micek

Ron L. Micek, age 74 of Shelby, died Saturday, October 7, 2023, at Bryan East Hospital in Lincoln.

Mass of Christian Burial is 10:30 a.m. Thursday, October 12, 2023, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Shelby. Visitation is Wednesday from 5:00-7:30 p.m. with a vigil service at 7:30, all at McKown Funeral Home. Interment with Military Honors by The American Legion Hartman Post #84 Honor Guard will take place in St. Mary's Cemetery-Pilzno following the luncheon at the church on Thursday.

Ron was born on October 29, 1948, in Columbus, NE to Andrew and Hilda (Poeffel) Micek. He grew up on the farm less than a mile away from his current home. He attended Ball Country School in rural Polk County through the 8th grade and then attended Columbus High School, graduating in 1967. Shortly after graduating, he began what became his lifelong passion of farming. In 1968, he joined the Air National Guard in Lincoln. Throughout his 6-year career he achieved the status of crew chief, aircraft mechanic and staff sergeant. He had a love for his country that never subsided.

In addition to farming, he worked at Douglas & Lomason as a tool and die machinist. He also worked at various other places along the way such as CSS Farms, ATI and H&M Electric.

On April 5, 1975, he married the love of his life, Carol (Bruckner) Micek. As a result of Carol's Saint-like grace and patience, they were married for 47 years. They made their home on the farm together where they grew crops, various livestock, numerous stray pets and children. He had a passion for all of them, but not necessarily in that order.

Most days on the farm began with a round table discussion (complete with coffee and "tooth-chipper" cookies) to plan out the day's tasks. The discussions often took longer than the actual work, but it was always important to Ron that the family have a plan (always his plan…) and work together.

Sunday mornings began with church in the morning followed by the Big Joe polka show blaring over the radio, complete with dancing in the kitchen with the kids (and later grandkids). Morning entertainment transitioned to a family viewing of wrestling on tv while Ron had the kids compete to see who could give him the best and longest back rub.

Soon came grandchildren. They were his pride and joy. Not many knew Ron as a patient man, yet he found time to teach his kids and grandkids many important lessons such as how to tie their shoes (despite choosing Velcro, crocs or boots for himself). Luckily no one adopted his fashion sense. Grandkids, truly softened rugged Ron up as all grandkids were overpaid in treats and money for minimal tasks to the astonishment of his own kids.

Ron could shoot the breeze with anyone and loved making conversation. His engaging smile and sense of humor allowed him to instantly connect with people whether old friends or complete strangers. He had the uncanny ability to chew you out for 10 minutes and make you walk away feeling pretty good about it. Fortunately, his kids inherited his endearing gift of gab.

His last year of life was a gift to us, one that was tough on him, but he unselfishly chose to give us that time. He continuously pulled the family together and reinforced the lessons he had taught us throughout his life - the lessons his dad had taught him. He put his bucket list in full gear as if knowing his time with us was precious and limited. He made one last trip to California that he had been putting off. He attended Oak Ridge Boys and Daniel O'Donnell concerts. His life came full circle when he was able to purchase the farm ground that he began his farming career with. He wanted to leave his legacy to the next generations and make sure we would be ok. It was his dream and he accomplished it all the while making memories and reaching out to family and friends alike to make sure they knew how important they were to him. He was a fighter every day of his life until the very end when he left us on his terms. Congratulations on a life well lived dad. You are the heart and inspiration that drove this family and we will always strive to make you proud. We love you dad!

He is survived by his wife, Carol, of Shelby, Craig (Tara) Micek, Mason and Delaney of Rancho Mission Viejo, CA, daughter Crystal (Ken) Zimmerman, Aiden, Kreyten and Camren of Rising City, Curt (Susan) Micek, Dylan, Haley, Gavin and Briella of Rising City and Cory (Sara) Micek, Jaydon Pavel, Landon Pavel, Easton and Kierston of Shelby.

Brothers Dean Micek of Columbus, Gary (Linda) Micek of Waverly, Bill (Donna) Micek of Bellwood and Bob Micek of Shelby, sister Diane Cerny of Shelby, many nieces and nephews, cousins and lifelong friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, parents in-law, 2 brothers in-law, many aunts and uncles, cousins, and lifelong friends.