Ronald Jerome 'Ronnie' Herl, age 79, of Ogallah, Kansas, passed away on Thursday, January 8, 2026, at his home in Ogallah.
Ronnie was born on November 20, 1946, in Hays, Kansas, to Alvin K. and Dorothy Frances (Karlin) Herl, Sr. He graduated from Trego Community High School in 1965. He married Karen Schmeidler on October 10, 1987 at St. Mary's Church in Ellis, Kansas, and together they enjoyed 38 years of marriage.
His early years were spent as a farmer and rancher; he was a genuine steward of the land, a way of life that shaped his strong work ethic and influenced both his personal and professional life. After a brief time hauling propane for Schreiner’s out of Ogallah, Ronnie started a thirty year career working for Enersys (Yuasa/Exide). This position, which he retired from in 2022, provided him with many great friends, the opportunity to work with his hands, and time spent working with his wife and daughter.
An entertainer at heart, Ronnie was a gifted musician, especially on the guitar. He and his bands performed at many local functions, parties, and weddings. Over the years, he played with the Don Younger Band, the Ron Herl Band alongside his siblings, and most recently with the Wes Windholz Polka Band.
Ronnie was also known as a talented mechanic, possessing the remarkable ability to repair nearly anything with his skilled hands. He especially enjoyed spending time with all of his family and was very proud of his children and grandchildren.
He is survived by his loving wife, Karen; his children, Aaron (Shelby) Herl of Hays and Alyssa Herl (Meny Rodriguez) of Great Bend; his brother, Alvin (Amy) Herl, Jr. of Ogallah; his sisters, Jeannette (Charles) Augustine of Ellis, Joyce (Kenneth) Kinderknecht of Collyer, and Joan (Donovan) Neufeldt of Moundridge; his two granddaughters, Lilia and Kaeli; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents: Alvin, Sr., and Dorothy (Karlin) Herl, his twin brother, Donald 'Donnie' Herl, and his father-in-law, Ralph Schmeidler.
Mass of Christian Burial will be Monday, January 12, 2026, at 10:00 AM at St. Mary's Catholic Church - Ellis, 703 Monroe Street Ellis, Kansas 67637. Inurnment will follow the mass in the parish cemetery. Memorial visitation will be Sunday, January 11, 2026, from 5 PM to 7 PM with a combined parish vigil and rosary service at 7 PM all at Keithley Funeral Homes and Crematory - Keithley Funeral Chapel, 400 East 17th Street Ellis, Kansas 67637.
Memorials are suggested to St. Mary’s Parish in care of the funeral chapel.
Memories and words of comfort may be shared with Ronnie's family on his tribute page via: www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com