Ronald Eugene Gerken, age 76 of North Platte, passed away Friday May 18, 2018 at Indian Hills Nursing Home in Ogallala, NE.

Ron was born February 2, 1942 in North Platte, NE to Charles Joseph and Clarita (Molly) Gerken.  He graduated from North Platte High School in 1961.  He worked with his dad and step mother, Lydia Gerken, at North Platte Plumbing and Heating and was a member of the National Guard.  He hired on to the Union Pacific Railroad as a pipefitter on April 25, 1968 and retired on January 31, 2002.  After his retirement he started his own business, Ron’s Backflow Prevention.  He married Patricia Beaver in December 1962 in North Platte, and to this union daughters Amy and Jill were born.  He then married Debbie Tridle on October 25, 1974 and to this union daughter Kristi was born.  He was an avid scuba diver and was part of the Search and Rescue Dive Team.  He was a softball coach for Kristi’s teams. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and gardening and was a great water skier.  He was a Jack-of-All-Trades and a friend to everyone.  He loved animals, taking care of many strays.  He will be remembered as a wonderful father and grandfather and will be remembered as “Grandpa Ron” to many of the kids around him.

Ron is survived by 3 daughters, Amy (Rick) Gerlach of Dewitt, NE, Jill (Dan) Shundoff of Kearney, NE, Kristi (Russ Jones) Gerken of North Platte; grandchildren Cheyenne, Savannah, August, Cody (Ashley), Levi and Weston Gerlach; Dylan (Rachel Kosmacek) Siemers of North Platte, NE, Alix Siemers of Kearney, NE, Jaiden Smith and Josie Jones both of North Platte, NE; as well as other extended family members and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; step mother; and sister, Ronda Mahan.

In lieu of flowers memorials are suggested to the Lincoln County Dive and Rescue Team and online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com.  Funeral services will be held 1:00 p.m. Friday May 25, 2018 at Adams and Swanson Funeral Home with Pastor Gary Smith officiating.  Those wishing to do so may sign the register book from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Thursday May 24, 2018 at Adams and Swanson Funeral Home which is in charge of arrangements.