Ronald Eugene “Ron” Vande Velde, 78, of Havensville, KS passed away Thursday, January 8, 2026 at his home. He was born July 21, 1947 on the family farm at Emmett, KS, the son of August Charles and Anita Mae (Lemon) Vande Velde.

Ron graduated from Emmett High School in 1965. He worked in construction and bridge building. Ron worked for Walter Yount, Beach Construction, Bryan Ohlmeier and started concrete for Ebert Construction. He was also a farmer and stockman and operated the RV Ranch with his wife, Gloria.

Ron coached his kids in sports, worked as an umpire and was involved in the Booster Club. He served as president of Spring Hill Recreation. He was a member of St. Vincent De Paul Catholic Church in Onaga, KS.

Ron was married to Gloria Faye Sauvage June 4, 1966 in Emmett, KS. She survives of the home. He is also survived by his daughter, Sheila Linn Ahlenstorf (Gregg) of Cozad, NE; his sons, Gary Alan Vande Velde (Sarah) of Mound City, KS, Ron E. Vande Velde (Jean) of Shelbyville, KY and Lonnie Lee Vande Velde (Amy) of Havensville, KS; his sisters, Pat Rezac (Galen) of Emmett, KS, Cathy McDevitt (Patrick) of Topeka, KS and Anita “Dee Dee” Edwards (Don) of Arizona; his brothers, Robert Vande Velde (Janice) of Topeka, KS, Dan Vande Velde (Janice) of St. Marys, KS, Jerry Vande Velde (Tammy) of Lyndon, KS, Rick Vande Velde (Renae) of Rossville, KS and Steve Vande Velde (Loretta) of Lawrence, KS; 13 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

Ron was preceded in death by his parents, August and Anita Vande Velde; sisters, Mary Haug, Nancy Sullivan and Sandy Walker; his brother, August “Sonny” Vande Velde and great-granddaughter, Lydia Adair Ahlenstorf.

Mass will be 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, January 13, 2026 at the Mercer Funeral Home in Holton. Rosary will be recited 5:00 p.m. Monday, January 12, 2026 with visitation to follow until 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery. Memorials may be given to the Holy Cross Cemetery c/o Mercer Funeral Home, P.O. Box 270, Holton, KS66436. To leave a special message for the family, please visit www.mercerfuneralhomes.com.