Ronald Leroy Joeckel

Ronald L. Joeckel, age 74 of Paola, Kansas passed away peacefully on July 12, 2024 after battling Lewy Body Dementia.

Ron was born in Paola, Kansas to Albert and Earlene Joeckel on September 18, 1949. He grew up on his family’s farm west of Paola. Ron attended school in Paola and graduated from Paola High School in 1967. He loved cruising the square, working on the farm and spending time with friends. Following graduation, Ron enlisted in the Marines. He was in the reserves for 6 years.

Ron met Marsha Fehling, the love of his life, and the two were married on February 15, 1969. They just celebrated 55 years of marriage! Ron and Marsha became parents to Ronda in 1971 and Tracy in 1974. The four of them enjoyed many days at the lake, on the farm and at least one annual vacation while the girls were growing up.

Ron loved the lake, his kids and his wife, but really softened and embraced the role of grandpa. His seven grandchildren have many Grandpa Ronnie stories and memories to hold dear.

Ron had a soft spot for furry friends as well. Most recently, Max, Toastie and Mojoe enjoyed his recliner, ice cream and lake days along with him.

Ron worked for Bendix/King in Paola, which later became Honeywell in Olathe, Kansas for 30 years. He retired in 2009. Prior to that, Ron worked for Marley Company in Olathe and Rock Island Railroad in Kansas City. As a high school student, he learned his trade at Ingersoll Machine Shop. He was a machinist to his core. His motto was “perfect is acceptable”. There was precision in everything he did - often painstakingly so!

Ron was a member of the American Legion and VFW Post 3712 in Paola and was a previous city council member in Paola. He was passionate about his town and always did his research to try to do what was best.

Ron’s hobbies included working on cars, fishing, hunting, watching car races of all kinds, hanging out at the lake, and entertaining family and friends. Two of the things he was most proud of were restoring a 1965 Mustang for his daughter and designing and constructing his second home at Lake of the Ozarks.

Ron will always be remembered for his love of his family, the almighty lake house, those jean shorts, his bluntness and his pickiness. We’ll always imagine him rattling off one of his catchphrases or one more cuss word. He was one of a kind and we couldn’t ask for a better husband, dad, grandpa, brother or friend. We will miss him, but no doubt the memories he gave us will live on and carry us through.

Ron was preceded in death by his parents Albert and Earlene Joeckel, brother Steve Joeckel, grandparents Walter and Anna Joeckel and Earl and Agnes Workman, and in-laws Clarence and Kathleen Fehling. Survivors include his wife, Marsha, daughters Ronda (Brent) Huber and Tracy (Donnie) Jones, grandchildren Elizabeth (Dustin) Stass, Brock (Katie) Huber, Bryce (Haylee) Huber, Josie (Tyler) Luckey, Sophie (Cody Gray) Jones, Chloe Jones and Addy Jones, great-grandchildren Brady Stass, Mason Stass, Grayson Huber and Baby Luckey (coming 2025), sister Connie (Wayne) Fullerton and many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and in-laws.

A graveside service will be held at Paola Cemetery at 10:00 a.m., on July 18, 2024, and a Celebration of Life will follow at the VFW at 11:00 a.m. Casual attire.

Donations to Advance Hospice or the City of Paola’s gazebo renovation fund are appreciated c/o Dengel & Son Mortuary 305 N. Pearl St. Paola, KS 66071.

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