Ronald Otto Meyer was born on November 17, 1946 to Otto John and Geraldine Meyer in Grand Island, Nebraska. He was the "baby" of a beautifully blended family, joining four big brothers: Bob, Bill, Ed, and Von. Ron's wishes were fulfilled as he was promoted to Heaven on June 22nd, surrounded by his daughters and son-in-law at home after complications from congestive heart failure.
Growing up with big brothers, it is fair to say there was never a dull moment or a drab memory made. Ron spent his first few years in Grand Island before his parents moved the family to North Platte, Nebraska. Otto was a man of faith, and his love for Jesus was passed down to Ron. The family attended First Christian Church, where Ron gave his heart to Jesus and was baptized at the age of ten.
A strong work ethic was taught at a young age, and everyone in the home understood the value of a dollar earned. Their home was always full of fun. The family often gathered around a card game or enjoyed a game of catch. The boys could also be found at the local pool hall, hustling and calling bank shots.
Tragedy struck Ron's family in 1958. During an outing to a Legion baseball game, a massive heart attack claimed Otto's life, leaving the boys fatherless. Otto was Ron's first hero. Struggling through life and angry at God for taking his daddy, Ron set out to find a job to help his mom make ends meet. This is when Ron first met Bob Coleman, who gave his a job working in the hayfields. While working there, Ron laid eyes on the love of his life, his Nikki. Ron was 12 years old and Nikki was 9 when their love story began.
Ron graduated from high school in Denver, Colorado. He was then drafted into the United States Army and proudly served his country with tours in Vietnam and Germany as a helicopter mechanic. A humble man, whenever someone thanked him for his service, he would proudly respond, "It was an honor to serve."
Ron and Nikki remained sweethearts and pen pals during his deployment. They wasted little time after Ron returned from Vietnam before planning their wedding. They were married on December 26, 1970, the day after Christmas. They chose that date because they both had a three-day weekend.
Very few pictures were taken on their wedding day, but those that were captured showed a couple deeply in love and proud to be each other's husband and wife. Their love story never wavered or lessened. Their passion and commitment were demonstrated daily. They were each other's best friends and prayer partners, walking hand-in-hand, never missing an opportunity for a kiss or an "I love you." Together, they kept Jesus at the center of their home and marriage. Ron and Nikki celebrated 52 years of marital bliss until Nikki passed away on their anniversary, December 26, 2022.
Ron and Nikki made their home in North Platte in 1973, after moving back from Denver, to start a family and begin a new chapter. Ron started his career with Union Pacific Railroad, hiring our as a Fireman Oiler and working in multiple roles throughout his career. He loved talking railroad shop with just about anyone and retired after more than 30 years of service. He made many lifelong friends among the men he worked alongside.
Ron was the proud father of two daughters. Rebecca Jeanne was born in 1975, and Jennifer Rae followed in 1977. He was the best girl dad anyone could ask for. He eagerly played with baby dolls and Barbies, gently brushed their hair every night - 100 strokes exactly - and always sat on the floor to play blocks or read stories. Whatever Ron was doing, his girls were right there with him.
He taught them how to fish, garden, cook, bowl, and always dress like ladies. He was strict about dating and fully enforced his rules regarding boys and what was and was not acceptable. Most importantly, he led by example, teaching them what unconditional love looked like and instilling the importance of their own personal walks with the Lord.
Ron had a servant's heart. He lived to love and serve others. If you ever asked his, "How are you doing, Ron?" His answer was always, "I am FANTASTIC!" He would then ask, "Do you know the meaning of FANTASTIC?" and explain, "It doesn't matter what is going on out in this big world. As long as you have Jesus in your heart, you are just one day closer to paradise in Heaven with Him."
Along with his military service, Ron was a member of the Elks Lodge, Gideons International (sharing God's word!), and Men at the Gap. He started a ministry called Helping Hands at North Platte Berean Church. He loved mowing at Camp Maranatha during the summers, where he formed many meaningful friendships.
Ron also loved greeting people at church on Sunday mornings, handing out bulletins, shaking hands, telling stories, loving on people, and giving high-fives to the kids. It was his way of serving the church. After Nikki passed away, Ron continued serving others as a "grandpa" at Royal Family KIDS Camp, a mentor at Lincoln Elementary School, and a Papa to any child who needed one.
The only people who brought him more joy than his daughters were this grandchildren. He was a proud and active Papa to Ian and Abbi throughout their childhood years. When Jenny married Clint, his family grew even larger with the addition of Jason, Jordan, and Jessica. He was further blessed with seven great-grandchildren: Sagan, Emily, CArter, Callie, Cameron, Gianna, and Bennett.
Leaving behind a legacy of love, Ron is survived by his children Rebecca and Donald Lieske and Jennifer and Clint Jensen, grandchildren Ian Bridge, Abbi and Nick Fisichella, Jason and Joanna Jensen, Jordan Jensen, and Jessica and Jordan Beam; and great-grandchildren Sagan, Emily, Carter, Cameron, Gianna, and Bennett.
He is also survived by his brothers- and sisters-in law Bob and Connie Coleman, Mike and Donna Coleman, Steve and Jenny Coleman, Shannon Burk, and Kevin and Ciney Coleman; along with many nieces, nephews, and cherished friends.
Memorials may be made to Camp Maranatha, North Platte Berean Church, or Royal Family KIDS Camp.
The family will receive friends during a casual open house at Odean Colonial Chapel in North Platte on Thursday, July 2, 2026 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held at North Platte Berean Church on Friday, July 3, 2026 at 9:30 a.m., followed by a procession and burial of both Ron and Nikki at Fort McPherson National Cemetery in Maxwell, Nebraska at 11:00 a.m. with full military honors.
Lunch will be served in the Fellowship Hall at North Platte Berean Church following the burial.
Online condolences may be shared at odeanchapel.com. Odean Colonial Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements.