Ronald B. Heller

Ronald B. Heller

Ronald Heller Obituary

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Heller, Ronald B., 68, retired athletic director and basketball coach, died Sunday, January 8, 2006. Visitation with the family, 6:00 ~ 8:00 P.M., Wednesday, January 11, Downing & Lahey Mortuary East. Service 10:00 A.M., Thursday, January 12, Central Christian Church. Preceded in death by his brother, Stew Heller and his parents. Survivors: wife, Deanna (Dunlap) Heller; sons, Kurt Heller (Rhonda) of Collinsville, OK and Jeff Heller (Recy) of San Juan, Philippines; daughter, Tracey Holmes (Derek) of Beloit, KS; grandchildren, Ryann, Grant and Cooper. Memorials have been established with Victory in the Valley, 3755 E. Douglas, Wichita, KS, 67218, Ron Heller Fishing with Friends Endowed Scholarship Fund, c/o Friends University, 2100 W. University, Wichita, KS, 67213, and Ron Heller Memorial Fund WSU Foundation @ Woodman Alumni Center, 1845 Fairmount, Wichita, KS, 67260-0002. Downing & Lahey Mortuary East. Tributes may be sent to the family via www.downingandlahey.com

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January 4, 2024

Anthony E. Dozier posted to the memorial.

January 7, 2007

Phil, Jennifer, and Maggie Keys posted to the memorial.

January 27, 2006

Brent Avery posted to the memorial.

Anthony E. Dozier

January 4, 2024

The Best Coach I Ever Had, Filled Many Athletes with Strong Encouragement. Going to miss You Coach,

Phil, Jennifer, and Maggie Keys

January 7, 2007

Hellers-
It's hard to believe that it's been a year since we lost Coach - and all that has happened in the meantime. You continue to be in our thoughts and prayers, and we are grateful for the gift of friendship that we shared with Coach and still share with you!
All our love!
Phil, Jenn, and Maggie

Brent Avery

January 27, 2006

To the Heller Family



I am sorry to hear of loss, I will keep you and coach in my prayers. Coach was a great person and we have lost a very caring man.

Suzie (Stenz) Horn

January 24, 2006

My sister Cathy and I went to kindegarten and Kapaun with Jeff and Tracey. I am very sorry to hear about your loss.

Anthony Dozier

January 22, 2006

Coach Heller was one of the finest people that I met in my early years of my life. He was the only Coach on the WSU staff at that time had confidence in me as a player and student, he always was their to encourage me when I was a student at Wichita State, though I did not finish my career at WSU.We spoke from time to time and he never forgot me no matter where our lives branched off to, this community will truly miss one of the best people anyone could ever meet.

My Prayers and Regards To The Heller Family.

Anthony Dozier

Julie Munden

January 19, 2006

To the Ron Heller family,

My sympathy in the loss of Coach Heller. I knew him when I played on the women's bb team at Friends and he was coaching the men's team. He intimidated me at first because he was so tall, but that was shortlived with his smile and words of encouragement to student athletes like me.

God Bless,

JKM

Brad La Fever

January 13, 2006

The Hellers:



I, as many do, have wonderful memories of Ron. Mine date back to my High School basketball days and summer camps w/Ron, on through my Mother Jan working with him for many years at Friends; he was a man that always had a kind word, gave valuable advice, and was a blast to be around.

Your family is in my prayers, and Wichita has lost a "friend" it can never replace.

Jake Petersen

January 12, 2006

I really looked up to Ron. He was a tremendous individual who was extremely kind to me as a young journalist. I moved to Wichita last year, and Heller always took time to talk to me at WSU men's basketball games, even though he didn't know me that well.

Debbie Seibert

January 12, 2006

Dee, Kurt, Jeff and Tracey:



Please accept my deepest sympathy on the passing of Ron. He was such a delightful man. Remember--he will always be with you--where ever you are and whatever you do he will be there. He made you what you are and lives in you. Dee: I will always remember the advise you gave me about marriage. What a wonderful husband he must have been!

With love,

Debbie Seibert

Greg Barbour

January 12, 2006

Dee, Kurt, Jeff, & Tracy,



Ron was such a great & wonderful person. I have fond memories of him throughout most of my childhood & College days. He did so much for me during difficult times, he was like a second father to me, he will be truly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with the entire family.

Carrie Kaifes-Lally

January 12, 2006

Coach Heller always showed class! Whenever my teams came to play at Friends, Coach was there to greet us and make us feel that we were important. He was such a nice man!

Carrie Kaifes-Lally SC 87-91

Scott Carter

January 12, 2006

Kurt, Jeff, & Tracy,

My condolences on the loss of your father. I have fond memories of him during our Curtis Junior High years and he was always so engaging when I would stop by Friends to see the fellas -- even though I was a Sterling College guy. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Cyndy (Reiss) Wedel

January 12, 2006

Dear Heller Family,



I am so very sorry for your loss. Ron was a very special person. I had the opportunity to work for him in the Friends Athletic Department from 1984-1985 while I finished my business/computing degree. I have to say that job was the most fun I've ever had at work! Ron was a great boss who I admired and respected. I was blessed to know him and treasure my years as a student/athlete at Friends.



My prayers are with you during this time.

Kay Catlin

January 12, 2006

To the Ron Heller Family,

My deepest condolences to you and your family in your loss of one of the greatest people I know. I knew Ron from his Bank IV days. He was fun, a hard worker, and a true family man. Many of us missed Ron at the Bank IV reunion, as Ron always stood out in a crowd!!! My prayers are with you.

Sincerely,

Ken and Lana Johnson

January 12, 2006

To Jeff and Family,

We have known Jeff for many years and appreciate his friendship. We are saddened because we know how difficult it is to lose a parent and because Wichita has lost a friend. May God comfort you in your time of loss and mourning.

Lori Gonzales

January 11, 2006

Dee, Kurt, Jeff,& Tracie, Your Arizona family is thinking of you all. We know today and tomorrow will be particually hard. Ron always had a way of making everyone feel good and put a smile on your face. Even though we did not see him often when we did it was as if no amount of time had passed. We love you all, Lori

Dorothy Watkins

January 11, 2006

To the Heller Family,



Our heart felt condolences to you all. Coach Heller was a special man and his time and passion for sports was something that will always be remembered. We especially want you to know that our experiences with him as an athlete at Friends University was a memorable one. We were able to take away many fond memories of times spent with Coach Heller.



Dorothy Watkins & Stacey Blankenship

Randy Wilson

January 11, 2006

Dear Heller Family,



I was fortunate enough to know Ron during my years at Wichita State and I want to extend my deepest sympathies to your family. All who knew Ron had great respect for him and he will be missed greatly. He had a strong impact on my life and I will always be grateful to Ron for that. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Ame Brubaker-Bourque

January 11, 2006

Jeff and family-

I worked with Jeff many moons ago at Charter in Wichita (lots of great stories.) Life has many paths of opportunity and scatters us abroad but one never forgets the great people we encounter on our journey in life. Jeff and family my thoughts and prayers are with you!



Ame Brubaker-Bourque and family

Doug Wilson

January 11, 2006

Dee,



I was saddened to hear of Ron's passing. I enjoyed my internship with Ron those many years ago. Character counts in work and life, Ron was a testament to that. You and your family are in my thoughts.



Doug Wilson

Phoenix, AZ

Dee Woods

January 11, 2006

I got to know Ron through my uncle Rich. "Tall" is what I knew Ron by, and he called Rich "Mr. Big". Ron was an extremely good man, and I always enjoyed hearing his voice and stories. He had a way with people that was just amazing. I was so blessed to have known him. Dee and family, you all are in my prayers. May you find comfort knowing that God is always with you. Love, Josh and Dee Woods

Bruce Matthews

January 11, 2006

Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Dee, David & Suzi Anderson

January 11, 2006

Dear Ones, The best advise we can give at this time is take one day at a time and look back with joy and forward with hope. We have some great memories of this great guy. You have many friends who love you.

Hugs - Dee,David,Suzi

Charissa Hicks

January 11, 2006

Jeff and Family, I wanted to send my condolences and let you know that my thoughts and prayers are with you.

bill Lang

January 11, 2006

Dear Heller Family

I was deeply saddened at the news of Ron's passing.He was a great coach and served as a very important father figuire for me when i attented Wichita State.He will be in my thought's and prayers in this time of lose.He will be missed by all those who were lucky enough to have known him..

My heartfelt sympathy to your family..

Bill Lang Family

Janelle Budke

January 10, 2006

Derek, Tracey, Grant and Cooper

Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Raymond, Janelle, Austin, Brady, Colin and Carly Budke

Pat and Alisa Longhofer

January 10, 2006

Dee,Kurt,Jeff,and Tracey,

We wanted to let you know how sorry we were to hear that Ron had passed away. I remember the times that we swam in your pool, and ran around the neighborhood. Your family has been very good friends of our family over the years. I know that loss that you are going through.

Jerrlea Costello Currigan

January 10, 2006

Dear Dee and Family,

I am so sorry to hear of your loss. It has been a lot of years since WU and Tri Delta; but I want you to know that I have thought of you and Ron often.

Chris Wettig

January 10, 2006

Kurt, Jeff & Tracey,

I'm really sorry to hear about your Dad. He was a terrific man and it was evident how much he loved each of you. His presence at all your high school games was indicative of how much he cared about you and how involved he was in your lives. I never heard anyone utter a negative word about him and I'll always remember him with a smile. I'll always remember a special comment he made to me after we had won a State Championship in football. He was a great man and you have much to be proud of. Please know I'll be praying for you and your mom.



Sincerely,

Chris Wettig

Allen Tiller

January 10, 2006

Dee, Jeff, Kurt, and Tracey,



I am deeply sadden at the loss of your father and husband. He was a great man. He coached me in summer camps and at WSU and helped my coaching career to a tremendous degree. I always considered him a friend and we all will greatly miss him. You all are a tremendous family and my life is blessed to have known all of you and to have been touched by your father and mother.



God Bless,



Allen and Diana Tiller

Steve Eck

January 10, 2006

I would like to offer my deepest sympathy to the family. Coach Heller taught me a lot about coaching and also what dogs to bet on. Derrek, please email me and let me know how you are doing.

Sincerely,

Steve Eck

Virgil & Bernadette Lewis

January 10, 2006

Our prayers and thoughts will be with the Heller family. We knew Jeff when he was in Denver. May God be with you during this difficult time.

Michael Huffman

January 10, 2006

Dear Heller Family, I am sorry to hear of Ron's death. I have been a long time Shocker fan and will remember him as a great player, coach, and I am sure a family man! Blessings and comfort to you in the Lord

Lori Martin

January 10, 2006

I am a friend of Jeff's from the Denver Church of Christ and I wish to extend my deepest sympathies and will be praying for the Heller family at this time to offer comfort and encouragement.

Hector & Della Acevedo

January 10, 2006

Jeff,

We are so sorry to hear about your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Mark Johnson

January 10, 2006

Heller Family: I knew Jeff when he was in Wichita. My condolences to your family. May God bless your family during this tough time.

Debbie Morrow

January 10, 2006

Coach Heller was a very special man. I consider myself truly blessed to have had the privilege of working for him as office manager in the athletic department at Friends University. He always treated his office staff with special care and respect. His attitude and example created such a "family" atmosphere making the athletic department a wonderful place to work. He knew how to treat people -- because to him people mattered. He was a wonderful boss and a great friend. Coach, you'll always have a special place in my heart.

Timothy Bernitt

January 10, 2006

Hello, I am the minister for the Wichita Church of Christ where Jeff Heller was a member before moving to Denver. Our church sends both Jeff and the rest of his family our sincerest condolences over the loss of your father. We are praying for all of you during your time of grief and loss. May God bless all of you.

Wayne "Short" and Sue Fletcher (Brent's parents)

January 10, 2006

To ALL of the Heller Family we extend our heartfelt sympathy.

We did not know Ron personally, but we know he was a special person to have a special son like Kurt. Kurt was a special friend to our son and with his character, we know Ron was a very special person also. You are in our thoughts and prayers at this sad time.

Darlene Ales

January 10, 2006

Deanna, I am truly sorry for your loss. May God see you through this. With love, Darlene

Eliot Smith

January 10, 2006

May the Lord keep you in this time of need. He never give us more than we can handle. Look to Him!

Paula Wiesner

January 10, 2006

Dee & family,



My favorite memory of Ron is he was one of the last "holdouts" to still call me Wilda. When I would arrive at your house and he would answer the door, there was always a big smile and he would "pretend" not to know my "new" name. He was one of my favorite people. My heart is with you, Dee, and your family.



Love,

Paula

Mark Probert

January 10, 2006

Dear Jeff: Thinking of you and your family in this time of lose and sorrow. May God be with you as you continue your great work in the Philippines.

JoAnn Carter

January 10, 2006

Thanks for all you have given to Wichita.

Denise Staley

January 10, 2006

I enjoyed working with Ron at Friends University. He always made you feel like you were special. I loved to hear him laugh and listen to his storie. I was blessed to know him.

Terri Erker

January 10, 2006

To Coach Heller's Family:

I met Coach Heller when I started woking in the Physical Plant Department at Friends University in 1996. He was such a kind,caring person and had an amazing sense of humor. At that time, I was the only woman working in the P.P. office and soon found out that the maintenance shop was a popular place for the men to gather at break time. If I walked out to the shop, Coach would be sitting there talking to the guys and once he saw me would always get a big grin on his face and stand up and give me a little salute. He was always a gentleman even when he was being ornery. I will always think of him with great fondness and remember him as the truly extraordinary man that he was.

Melinda Craft

January 10, 2006

Hello - We are friends with Ron's son Jeff, we met him in Denver -

I wanted to express my condolences in the loss of your father. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Love,

Eric & Melinda Craft

Kim and Bruce Fraley

January 10, 2006

To the Heller Family:



We would like to extend our deepest sympathy to your family. We watched Friends Basketball, supporting our nephew Jon Knoll who played for Coach Heller from 1994 to 1996. We respected Coach Heller and enjoyed watching Friends Basketball.



Your family will be in our thoughts and prayers.

Bill Connelly

January 10, 2006

MY DEEPEST, DEEPEST SYMPATHIES. God now has someone very special by his side...



Ps... I still picture Ron with BLACK HAIR. Always will! :)

De Vanderhoofven

January 10, 2006

Dear Dee, Tracey, Kurt and Jeff. Please know I am with you in spirit this week and that Sally, Sarah and I share in your loss. I was finally able to smile today while remembering many past happy times we shared. Ron was always there for all of us...I wish I could be there for you. My love to you all. DeV

Christopher Curtis

January 10, 2006

You will be missed your expertise and knowledge of Shocker basketball was a great thing. But your personality and smile was always there. you will be Missed

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January 4, 2024

Anthony E. Dozier posted to the memorial.

January 7, 2007

Phil, Jennifer, and Maggie Keys posted to the memorial.

January 27, 2006

Brent Avery posted to the memorial.