Ronald George Tophane was born on October 18, 1944 at St. Catherine’s Hospital in McCook, Nebraska and passed away at the age of 74 surrounded by his family, friends, and loved ones on Wednesday, April 24, 2019 at Centennial Park Retirement Village in North Platte, Nebraska.
Being a McCook native, Ron graduated from McCook High School in 1962, and then was inducted into the United States Army later that same year. He was stationed in Germany and served until 1965.
After his discharge, Ron returned to McCook where he worked for Safeway Grocery, then later drove for Hinky Dinky out of Omaha delivering to Omaha and parts of Iowa and South Dakota.
After moving back to the McCook area, Ron worked for the Cornbelt Chemical Comany. He then moved his family to North Platte in 1985 where he managed North Platte Bonded Wharehouse. After retiring from North Platte Bonded Wharehouse, Ron and his wife purchased a Mountain Man Fruit & Nut route and he became known as the “Mountain Man” to many people in Western Nebraska and Eastern Colorado. He finally retired in 2014.
On October 28, 1967, Ron was united in marriage to Marilyn Gail Bryan. Together they started a family of their own, raising two children and celebrated over 51 years of marriage.
Ron was a member of Valley Christian Church and enjoyed volunteering with the North Platte R.S.V.P. at the Golden Spike Tower & Visitor’s Center.
Ron is survived by his wife, Marilyn, of North Platte; son, Michael Tophane of Lincoln, Nebraska; grandchildren, Charles Tophane, Brycen Tophane and Justeena (Jesse) Dobbins; great-granddaughter, Chole; two nieces, Reesa (Jerry) Davis and Krista Beverly and their families; as well as other family and friends.
Cremation was chosen. Ron’s final resting place will be in McCook at the Riverview Cemetery. Graveside services with military honors will be at 3:00 p.m. on Friday, April 26, 2019 at the Riverview Cemetery in McCook, Nebraska with Dale Heimer officiating. Online condolences may be shared at odeanchapel.com. The memorial book may be signed at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore in North Platte, which is in charge of the arrangements. In lieu of flowers, the family has established a memorial.