Ron VandeVelde 1947-2026
Ronald Eugene “Ron” VandeVelde, 78, Havensville, died Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026, at his home.
He was born July 21, 1947, on the family farm at Emmett, the son of August Charles and Anita Mae (Lemon) VandeVelde. He graduated from Emmett High School in 1965.
Mr. VandeVelde worked in construction and bridge building, working for Walter Yount, Beach Construction, Bryan Ohlmeier and Ebert Construction. He was also a farmer and stockman and operated the RV Ranch with his wife.
He was a member of St. Vincent De Paul Catholic Church in Onaga. He also served as president of Spring Hill Recreation.
He married Gloria Faye Sauvage on June 4, 1966, in Emmett. She survives.
Other survivors include a daughter, Sheila Linn Ahlenstorf and husband Gregg, Cozad, Neb.; three sons, Gary Alan VandeVelde and wife Sarah, Mound City, Ron E. VandeVelde and wife Jean, Shelbyville, Ky., and Lonnie Lee VandeVelde and wife Amy, Havensville; three sisters, Pat Rezac and husband Galen, Emmett, Cathy McDevitt and husband Patrick, Topeka, and Anita “Dee Dee” Edwards and husband Don, in Arizona; five brothers, Robert VandeVelde and wife Janice, Topeka, Dan VandeVelde and wife Janice, St Marys, Rick VandeVelde and wife Renae, Rossville, Steve VandeVelde and wife Loretta, Lawrence, and Jerry VandeVelde and wife Tammy, Lyndon; 13 grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, August and Anita VandeVelde; three sisters, Mary Haug, Nancy Sullivan and Sandy Brungardt; a brother, August “Sonny” VandeVelde; and a great-granddaughter, Lydia Adair Ahlenstorf.
Mass of Christian burial will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 13 at Mercer Funeral Home in Holton. A rosary will be recited at 5 p.m. Monday, Jan. 12 with visitation to follow until 7 p.m. at the funeral home. Burial will follow in Holy Cross Cemetery.
Memorials may be given to Holy Cross Cemetery, sent in care of Mercer Funeral Home, P.O. Box 270, Holton, KS 66436.
