Ronald Robert "Ron" Hoeltge

Ronald (Ron) Robert Hoeltge, 74, of Blue Springs, Missouri passed away on November 15, 2025, at his home. Ron was born in St. Louis, Missouri on July 6, 1951, and graduated from Ruskin High School in Kansas City, Missouri in 1969. Soon thereafter he moved to Bartlesville, Oklahoma with his mom before enlisting in the Army in October of 1970. Ron loved to say he wanted out of Oklahoma so badly that he enlisted during a war! Ron was a paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne and was part of a select group of servicemen that went to Vietnam with Jeep mounted TOW missiles to train troops for use in combat. Ron was so proud of his service in the 82nd Airborne and would tell endless stories about the 300+ jumps he completed. Ron was recognized with a National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Parachute Badge, Expert Badge M-16, Sharpshooter Badge Grenade, Marksman Badge M-60, M-79 and 50 Calibre. He served bravely and valiantly until he was honorably discharged in 1973. Upon returning from Vietnam, Ron was a commercial truck driver, hauling logs and furniture blanks across the United States. He also worked for ARA Vending as a Division Manager in Colorado Springs, Colorado. In Colorado, Ron joined the Army National Guard and served in the 19th Special Forces unit out of Pueblo. Serving in the National Guard reinvigorated his desire to serve his country and he reenlisted in the Army in November of 1981. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion of the 39th Infantry out of Fort Carson, Colorado. He was also stationed in Baumholder Germany at the Rheinland-Pfalz Army Garrison where he served until medically discharged in December 1984. Upon returning from a second round of military service, Ron moved to Warrensburg, MO where he completed a bachelor's degree. Afterwards, Ron was employed at Wentworth Military Academy in Lexington, MO where he was a public relations officer. He also was their newspaper editor and taught photography. In June of 1989, Ron met the love of his life, Kathleen (Kathi) Joyce Craig in Independence, MO. Kathi was a waitress at Po Folks at the time. Ron came back three days in a row, asking to sit in her section. On the third day he asked her for a date and the rest was history. They were married two short months later, true soul mates for the next thirty-six years. Ron worked for BHA Group in Raytown, Missouri as a Marketing Manager from 1989 until the early 2000's. Over the last twenty-five years Ron did freelance digital marketing for various organizations and photography, while enjoying many adventures with Kathi. Together they traveled extensively across the Western United States and Canada. He especially loved hiking and camping in the Canadian Rockies, Glacier National Park and the national parks of Utah. Ron leaves behind his loving wife Kathi of the home, his stepdaughter Amy Doll (Steve) of Lee's Summit, MO and a stepson Craig Whitehead of Parkville, MO. He will be deeply missed by his grandchildren, Airborne brothers and many other friends across the country. Ron was no doubt greeted with the open arms of the brothers that passed before him, joyfully taking his seat at Valhalla.

Obituary submitted by the family.