Ronald B. Collette, Sr. was born on Oct. 5, 1925 in Aurora, Kan. to Willie D. and Alexine M. (LeBlanc) Collette.  He died on Wed., June 6, 2012 at Mt. Joseph Senior Village, Concordia at the age of 86. 

He graduated from Dist. 79 school near his home.  He married Phyllis M. Girard on Oct. 28, 1946 at the St. Joseph Catholic Church, she preceded him on June 27, 2006. 

Ron served in the US Army during WWII.  He was a farmer and retired employee of Cloud Ceramics.  He was a member of St. Peter’s Catholic Church, Aurora all his life and Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, Concordia.

 He is survived by his sons, Larry (Aldia), Wamego, Gary, Salina, Jerry (CloAnn), Lindsborg, Ronald, Jr. (Denise), Lecompton & Mark (Connie), Concordia; daughters, MaryBeth VanRoekel (Don), Logan, Joyce Bigler (Bruce), Clay Center, Kay Ann L’Ecuyer (Michael), Hesston, Linda St. Pierre, Concordia and Judy Hamilton, Hutchinson; sisters, Geneva Thomas, Morrow, GA and Theresa Pracht (Larry), Wheat Ridge, Colo.; 29 grandchildren; two step grandchildren, 52 great grandchildren and 12 step great grandchildren. 

He was preceded in death by his wife, Phyllis, son, Brian, parents, sister, Madeline Collette and brothers, Alfred, Lorraine and Leland. 

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m., Sat., June 9, 2012 at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, Concordia with Rev. Barry Brinkman officiating.  Burial will follow at St. Peter’s Cemetery, Aurora with Military honors by American Legion Post #76 & VFW Post #588.  Visitation will be held from 12-9 p.m. Friday with a vigil service at 7 p.m. at the funeral home. 

The family suggests memorials to Catholic Charities or Meadowlark Hospice in care of the funeral home.