Ron Detlefsen passed away unexpectedly at his home on April 20, 2018. He was born in Stapleton, Nebraska, to Vern and Virginia (Reynolds) Detlefsen on February 15, 1948.
Ron attended Cody Elementary School and graduated from North Platte High School. While in high school, his extra-curricular activities led him to his lifetime passion for golf and his love of music–playing his guitar in the Showstopper Band. Later in life he enjoyed improvising at the keyboard and entertained those around with his imitations of ‘Ray Charles.’ He attended the University of Nebraska and University of Northern Colorado as a member of the college golf team. Ron was united in marriage to Teresa Olsen on May 20, 1977, and they were blessed with two sons, Ryan and Brett.
Ron was involved in the petroleum business as a oil jobber until his retirement—Detlefsen Truck Stop, Detco stations, and transports. His knowledge and dedication to the industry led him to being active in the Nebraska Petroleum Marketers Board of Directors. In his early years, he was part of the North Platte Ambassadors and was founder of the first annual North Platte Youth Ambassador Golf Tournament.
Ron’s first loves centered around his wife and his family. Around 1990, he and Teresa moved their two boys to Lake Maloney and the family grew to love and enjoy many of the same things. As a family, a favorite was always playing golf, he inspired his boys to love fishing and hunting and they all embraced the lake and all it had to offer–water sports, skiing, wakeboarding, sunset cruising–just being together and enjoying its beauty. “Captain, Oh My Captain” was a familiar quoted title for Ron as the best pontoon boat and tour captain on the lake! Many enjoyed the experience of his “Fifty Cent Tours.”
Like in life, each round of golf begins the same–and with each swing and movement and placement, the ball is hit, the game begins and…we learned about RD…his quiet character, his love of life and family, his loyalty and commitment to friends and fellow golfers, his competitive spirit, his appreciation for not just the game but the courses– the challenges & intrigue of their differences, his ability to face adversity head on, forty plus years of sobriety, and RD’s humor!! His humor–sometimes hidden, but when it came out, all took note and enjoyed being in his presence.
Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Teresa; sons, Ryan of Lincoln and Brett (Kelly) of Austin, Texas; sister, Barb Detlefsen of Omaha; uncle, Bobbie Smith of Arnold; sisters-in-law, Sheryl (Ken) Parish and Marcy Etzelmiller of Omaha; brother-in-law, John Lund of Ogallala; nieces and nephews, Stacey (Beau) Reid of Omaha, Corey (Susan) Sheen of Scottsdale, AZ, Dr. Coby (Janet) Lund of Atlanta, GA, Jason (Erin) Lund of Lone Tree, CO, Michael Etzelmiller (Katie) of Omaha, Lindsey (Fiancé Jared Hyland) Etzelmiller of Omaha, and Tim Jorgensen of Evergreen, CO; four legged granddogs, Disco and Finnley; numerous cousins, including Robbi (Shelley) Smith of Arnold, friends, and golfing buddies. He was preceded in death by his parents, Vern and Virginia; aunts, Gloria Smith and Earlynn Biggs; and sister-in-law, Linda Lund.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Harbor Lights, 711 N. Lake Rd, North Platte, Thursday, April 26, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to be designated at a later date. Online condolences may be shared at www.carpentermemorial.com. Casual attire is requested. Those wishing to sign Ron’s memorial book may do so from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday at Carpenter Memorial Chapel, which is in care of arrangements.