Ronald L. Olds

Ronald L. Olds was born on April 19, 1949, in Lexington, Nebraska, to Harvey and Rosie (Klein) Olds. He grew up in Cozad, Nebraska, where he attended grade school and high school. During his youth, Ron was active in the Boy Scouts and played basketball. After graduating high school, he furthered his education at Chadron State College and Kearney State College.

Ron married the love of his life, Connie (Harvey) on February 22, 1969, and made their home in Cozad where they had two daughters, Autumn and Jennifer. He was a devoted son, brother, husband, father and grandfather, always putting his family first. Ron and Connie raised their daughters with a love for camping, boating and fishing, often enjoying these activities together with Ron’s parents, his brother Jerry’s family and many friends. After his granddaughters were born, he loved spending time with them and attending their activities. 

Throughout his career, Ron worked in the fertilizer and seed sales industry. He also owned the Cork and Cap liquor store for nearly 20 years, where he worked long hours from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m., and three nights a week until 1 a.m.

Ron had many interests and hobbies. He enjoyed hunting, especially in the duck blind with his dad and brother. An avid Husker fan, he loved watching Nebraska volleyball. He and Connie took pleasure in visiting the Black Hills to catch trout. Ron loved gardening and could be found enjoying a fresh tomato and cucumber from the garden on his back patio many summer evenings. He enjoyed woodworking and carpentry, crafting everything from home improvements to his own grandchildren’s crib and cradle. During the winter months, he filled his time building an intricately detailed cork village which was featured at the 100th Meridian Museum in Cozad.

Ron’s pride and joy was making sausage for family and friends. Each fall he received many calls from those eager to know if he would be making sausage that year. He never disappointed his family and friends. 

Ron believed in giving back to his community. He was an active member of the Optimist Club, serving as district lieutenant governor and membership chair for the district. He also served honorably on the Cozad City Council starting in 2016, with his final meeting scheduled for December 3, 2024.

Ron made friends in every aspect of his life and cherished them all. From road trips with long-time friend Alan Anderson, to having coffee with Peg and Brian Montgomery, he truly enjoyed spending time with old and new friends. His friends appreciated him for his sense of humor and his personal integrity.

Ron passed away on November 28, 2024, at Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney, Nebraska, surrounded by his loving wife and family. He was a man of many talents—a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, and friend—and was known for his ability to fix or build just about anything.

He is survived by his wife Connie; daughters Autumn (Bill) Taddicken of Valparaiso, Nebraska, and Jennifer (Jason) Fowler of Blair, Nebraska; as well as three amazing granddaughters: Aurora Fowler, Hannah Fowler and Grace Fowler; sister Arnetta Anderson of Minden, Nebraska; and many cousins, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Harvey and Rosie Olds, and his brother Jerry Olds.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to be made to Cozad Volunteer Fire and Rescue. Online condolences may be shared at berrymanfuneralhome.com. Cremation was chosen. A celebration of life will be held on Monday, December 16, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at the Berryman Funeral Home Chapel.