Ronald D. Reifschneider

Ron passed away Tuesday April 4, 2017 with loved ones at his side after a brief battle with cancer.

Ron was born on January 21, 1947 in Bayard, NE to Alex and Emma (Maier) Reifschneider.  He was raised and educated in Minatare, NE, and graduated from Scottsbluff High School in 1965.  In 1966 he attended Denver Automotive Institute in Denver, Colorado.   

Shortly after high school, he worked for Magnolia Mobile Homes 1966-1967.  In 1968 Ron began farming and did so until 1994.  He was a distinguished High Ten sugar beet producer for the Scottsbluff District in 1977.   After retiring from farming in 1994, Ron worked for Case IH as a salesman.  In 1995, he worked at Gering Irrigation District, and then in 1997 he went to work for Farmer Irrigation District.  In 1999, he began working for Furst McNess Company in Gering and for a time worked for Great Western and Western Sugar.  When he “semi-retired” he worked at the Farm & Ranch Museum.   He was instrumental in creating the original museum now called the Legacy of the Plains and began the Antique Tractor show at the Scottsbluff County Centennial.  He was on the Board of Directors at Lake Minatare School District.  One of his most memorable experiences was having Senator Bob Kerry drive his Farmall F-30 while he was campaigning in the area.

Ron was collector of coins, stamps, old machinery, tractors, cars, hot rods, and loved driving his son’s Harley Davidson motorcycle.  He enjoyed traveling, exhibiting his many tractors, and explaining to students how the machinery worked and won several awards for his exhibitions. 

Ron is survived by the love of his life - Peggy Hall, Earlene, mother of his children:  Ryan (Michelle) of Mitchell, Kim (Phil) of Custer, SD, Chloey and Keegan Reifschneider of Scottsbluff, Dennis(Connie) Reifschneider of Windsor, CO and sister Janet (Alvin Rhamig) of Gering, numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Alvin Reifschneider.

The funeral service was held on Saturday, April 8, 2017 at the Salem Congregational Church; Pastor Dale Brown officiating.  Interment followed at West Lawn Cemetery in Gering.  

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Arrids Acres to be designated by his family.

Tributes of sympathy may be left at www.dugankramer.com.