Ronald J. Orender

Ronald J. Orender, 75, of Burwell, NE formerly of Albion, NE, passed away Wednesday, May 24, 2023, at MercyOne Siouxland in Sioux City, IA.

A Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, June 8, 2023 at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Albion, NE with Fr. Bill L'Heureux officiating. Interment will follow at St. Michael's Catholic Cemetery, Albion, NE. There will be a rosary prayed at 9:30 a.m., Thursday, June 8, 2023 with visitation continuing until Mass begins, all at the church.

Levander Funeral Home of Albion, NE is in charge of the arrangements.

Ronald Joseph Orender was born in Spalding, NE on December 2, 1947, to Louis Orender and Loretta (Kleffner) Orender Smith. He graduated from Albion High School in 1966. Following graduation, Ron served in the National Guard as a weekend warrior.

In October of 1967, he married Diane Erickson, and they had one daughter during their marriage, Jacquelyn (Jacki). The couple later divorced in 1972. Ron worked as a meter technician for Kansas Nebraska Energy/Kinder Morgan for many years before retiring and moving to Burwell, NE. There, he built a workshop/residence in the country and started a boat repair business called Boat Works. Ron also developed a campground on his property during retirement. He loved the open country and enjoyed fishing, hunting, cars, working on boats, listening to music, watching Husker football, and spending time with his dogs. Taking his three granddaughters fishing at Calamus with princess fishing poles when they were young tested his love for this past time! He had a dry sense of humor that emerged when one least expected it and had a softer heart than one would think.

After developing health issues and being diagnosed with Parkinson's, he passed away in Sioux City, IA on May 24, 2023 surrounded by family.

Ron is survived by his daughter: Jacki (Dan) Goebel of Orange City, IA and their daughters Trinity, Cadence, and Aurora; brother: Doug Orender of Albion, NE; nephew: Tony (Joni) Orender of Lincoln, NE; niece-in-law: Tammy Orender of Columbus, NE; great-nieces and nephews: Amber (Clint) Torczon of Columbus, NE; Brooke (Tyler) Iverson of Albion, NE; Chase (Summer) Orender of Columbus, NE; uncle and aunt: Dick & Annette Ackman of Greeley, NE; numerous great-great-nieces and nephews; other relatives; and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; grandparents: August & Hannah (Vanderloop) Kleffner and George W. & Margaret (Darrah) Orender; brother: Bill Orender; nephew: Jeff Orender; sister-in-law: Sandy Orender; and numerous aunts and uncles.