Lane was born to John and Maude Ronnebaum in 1948. He graduated from Kelso High School in 1966, where he played football, basketball and baseball, earning several varsity letters and numerous awards as an outstanding athlete. Lane was awarded a football scholarship to the University of Washington where he played as a Husky from 1967-1970, winning three letters and was later honored as a member of the local All-Century team in 2009. Lane was a proud member of the Phi Gamma Delta (FIJI) fraternity while attending UW and continued to stay connected with his brothers throughout his life. After college Lane returned to the area and worked at the Port of Longview until retiring in 2005. Lane married PJ Ronnebaum in 1986 and had two daughters Brandy and Loni.

Lane was a sports enthusiast his whole life. After college he continued to play in several competitive sports leagues including basketball, softball, racquetball and pickleball just to name a few. He also enjoyed golfing, chess and cribbage. He took pride and honor in raising his girls, teaching and coaching them through their various sports teams and interests over the years. Lane also loved traveling, singing, dancing, attending concerts, spending time with family and attending UW football games every year.

Lane had an unforgettable demeanor that made everyone around him feel at ease. His laugh was loud and contagious and would put a smile on your face instantly. He loved telling jokes and making others laugh. He truly was a kid at heart his entire life and loved bringing happiness and light to the world. He had a brilliant mind and loved to share stories of his past.

Lane is survived by his partner of 22 years, Jill Kletsch. Daughters Brandy and Loni, his grandson Baylor (Brandy) who was his pride and joy, along with several other family members and friends. He is preceded in death by his mother and father.

A celebration of life is planned for later this spring on May 20, 2023. Please visit the Facebook event page "Lane Ronnebaum Memorial" for details on the upcoming celebration.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Daily News on Dec. 25, 2022.

Memories and Condolences
for Lane Ronnebaum

7 Entries

Lee Ayers

May 13, 2023

I was an assistant baseball and football coach at Kelso when Lane was a student-athlete at Kelso High School.

Lane was a very good athlete in all three sports in which he participated: Football, basketball, & baseball. A very good "Highlander"!

I got to know Lane's dad, John, who would come around to visit with the coaches after football practices at Kelso. It was easy to see that Lane had a very fine dad!

Later, when I was a principal in the Highline School District (Seattle), I was also a scout and recruiter for the UW football team. One time, while he was a Husky, Lane was a key speaker to our student body of the school of which I was the principal. He received a standing ovation at the conclusion of his presentation!

Im was very saddened to learn of his passing.

Lee Ayers

Dr. Mark Freiberg

January 12, 2023

Please allow me to address Lane as if he were still here. In my mind, he is!
Lane,
I was the first RA Long graduate to join the Fiji House at UW. You found out I was leaning elsewhere and gave me "the look". In that instant my life changed. I had no choice but to join and I have never once regretted that decision.
You were the monster left tackle that generated fear throughout the PAC 10. My wife Elizabeth (a USC All American) and I sat in the USC athletic section at one of the USC/UW contests in the Coliseum. We got destroyed that year and I got really tired of the trash talk. I went to the concession stand and ran into your quarterback Sonny Sixkiller. He told me he never worried about his backside as long as you were there. He was both very fond of you as a person and incredibly respectful of you as a player.
Lane, I made you laugh and in return, you made my sides split. I am 72 years old, still working, and still using your material as if it were my own.
I do not have the words!
With deepest respect and gratitude,
Dr. Mark Freiberg

Rebecca Gilliland

January 9, 2023

So very sorry to hear of the loss of your Dad, Brandy. My thoughts and prayers go out to you. I worked with you years ago at the Credit Union.

Patricia Franklin (Piper)

December 26, 2022

You were always my friend growing up in Kelso.
Dad had many stories of coaching you in football.
Can still hear your laughter and see your smile.
Sending my thoughts and blessings to your family.

M.Hayes

December 25, 2022

RIP Lane R.

Tim Wishard

December 25, 2022

RIP Lane. Condolences to all of your family. Honor to have known Lane through our high school years and playing ball with him. Always remembered.

Dick Knight

December 22, 2022

Lane was a great friend at the Fiji house. His laughter from those days still makes me smile. Dick Knight

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