On Tuesday, November 10, 2020, Ronald L. Connely of Broken Bow, Nebraska passed away at the age of 85. Ron was born on October 7, 1935 in Broken Bow to Tom and Lela (Arnold) Connely. Ron graduated from Broken Bow High School in 1952 at the age of 16. His long-desired love was to be a veterinarian and he received his Associates Degree from Spencer School of Business in Grand Island, Nebraska. At this time, Ron was called to duty in the U.S. Navy and was honorably discharged in 1958.
On January 18, 1959, he married Verneta Dibble. In 1962, they moved to O'Neill, Nebraska where they raised two sons, Douglas and Thomas, and a daughter, Kailyn.
Ron was a devoted fan of his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, and delighted in all of the sporting activities, rarely missing a game or match or horse event. He was an avid hunter and fisherman and loved all his outdoor fishing and hunting adventures with his sons and grandchildren. He cherished training his German Shorthair dogs and was a dog handler for the "One Box Pheasant Hunt" in Broken Bow, Nebraska and was an inducted into the Dads, Lads and Lassies Hall of Fame in Litchfield, Nebraska. He loved animals and working with cattle and horses. He will always be remembered by his children as a man who earned his boots and perpetually stepped in a forward direction.
Due to COVID, the family has decided to hold a private family Celebration of Life at a later time. As a family, they would like to sincerely thank each of you for your thoughts and prayers.
Ron was preceded in death by his parents, Tom & Lela Connely; his brother, Jack Connely; sisters-in-law Emily and Cathy Connely; and an infant son, Robert.
Ron is survived by his wife, Verneta, of Broken Bow, Nebraska; three children, Doug (Jean) Connely of Eaton, Colorado, Tom (Colleen) Connely of Kearney, Nebraska, and Kailyn (Jeff) Paige of Grand Island, Nebraska; brothers Ted (Brenda) Connely of Port Angeles, Washington and Dave Connely of Lincoln, Nebraska; sister Carol (Carl) Christen of Broken Bow, Nebraska; and sister-in-law Clara Connely of York, Nebraska; ten grandchildren and spouses; and ten great-grandchildren.
Memorials are suggested to St. Jude's Hospital or the First Presbyterian Church of Broken Bow. Govier Brothers Morutuary is assisting the family. An online guest book may be signed at www.govierbrothers.com.