Ronald "Ron"

E. Kallhoff

Ronald "Ron" Eugene Kallhoff, 78, of O'Neill died Monday, Feb. 13, 2023 at Avera St. Anthony's Hospital in O'Neill.

Visitation was held Thursday, Feb. 16, 2023 at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in O'Neill.

Memorial services were held Thursday, Feb. 16, 2023 at the church in O'Neill. Fr. Bernard Starman officiated.

Memorials may be made to the family for future designation.

Biglin's Mortuary in O'Neill was in charge of the arrangements.

Ronald was born on Sept. 3, 1944 in O'Neill, 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 Aug. 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 10 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 enjoyed teasing people and getting them to engage from a defensive stance.

Ron is survived by his wife Linda Gettert Kallhoff of O'Neill; three children Brad Kallhoff of Butte, Chad (Rebecca) Kallhoff of San Tan Valley, AZ, and Lindsey (Rod) Preusker of Lincoln; 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; one sister Sherri Strong of Norfolk; one brother-in-law Cornelius Murphy of Stuart; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; four sisters Darlene (Jack) Hoskins, Joan Murphy, Bernice (Bob) Summers and Pat (Jack) Glaser; and one brother-in-law Sam Strong.