Ronald Goebel Obituary

Description: Ronald Goebel Obituary... Our Heartfelt Condolences To His Loved Ones...

Obituary

Ronald Dean "Elmo" Goebel
Born Nov 3rd 1952 in Rocky Ford. Went to Rest Feb 10th 2023 in Ordway.

Ron was born to Esther Grassmick and David Goebel Sr. whom were both first generation children of immigrants from Russia. He took great pride in his Russian heritage and honored that with food, family history, and folk tales. He was the youngest of three children.

Growing up on a farm North of Rocky Ford gave him the inspiration to have a career in agriculture. He attended CSU-Fort Collins and college in Rhode Island. He spent his career as a plant breeder working with watermelon, cantaloupe, pumpkins, squash, hot chili, cucumbers, and tomatoes. One of his greatest prides was developing the cultivars whose genetics are used in countless current varieties and hybrids around the world. Ron would work sunup making pollinations, to sundown caring for the plants. Taking notes on the developing varieties in the fields; curating the next generation of varieties was his love. Naturally, with his experience in horticulture, he was asked to judge the Arkansas Valley Fair and Pueblo State Fair 4H horticulture and hobby exhibits. He also held educational tours to grade school children at the greenhouse.

One of his great adventures in life was becoming a step-father to four kids when he married Nancy in 1994. He enjoyed being a parent very much and was very involved. In 1996 four became five with the birth of his daughter, Linnea. Ron was generous with his time towards his children, taking them boating, fishing, hunting, arrowhead hunting, helping them carve prize-winning pumpkins, and making costumes for Halloween parties at the Elks Lodge. He enjoyed cooking great meals for his family as well as sharing his passion for the outdoors.

Ron had many hobbies but one of his favorites was riding his Harley. He possessed an artist's eye that carried him through many mediums, one of which was jewelry. He was an accomplished florist and worked for a time at his aunt Charlene's flower shop in Rocky Ford. He was a talented musician and spent time in a touring band playing fiddle. His love of history and antiques landed him as director of the Museum in Rocky Ford for period of time. Even in short conversations, one could gather he had a quick wit and an exceptional intellect. He obtained a plethora of knowledge throughout his life regarding anything of historical value, whether it be Native American artifacts, coins, geology, firearms, cars, jewelry, music and so much more. When his health was good, he was most at peace walking the prairies looking for arrowheads, often accompanied by close friends and his daughter, Linnea. Those who knew him can vouch for what a collector of everything he was. The dearests of all his collections were his many friends. We know everyone will miss him very much.

He left Earthside in the arms of our Lord, preceded in death by his parents and brother David, as well as many other loved ones. He is survived by his sister Linda Smith, nieces Nikki Smith and Larisa Yancey (Alan), his daughter Linnea Goebel (Kyle), his stepchildren Carmen Mihely, Russell Mihely (Chiaki), Cathy Shreve (Caleb), Michael Shreve (Bernadette), numerous step-grandchildren and loved ones.

The family would like to extend a special appreciation to Crowley County Community Care in Ordway - especially the nurses who cared for him, and to San De Cristo Hospice - especially his assigned staff.

Bellwood Ford Ustick Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

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