Ronald L. Menking, 91, passed away peacefully on November 22, 2018, at his residence at Lakeview Commons in Loveland, Colorado.

He was born March 11, 1927 in Ft. Morgan to Roy and Evelyn (Gilfry) Menking.  Ron's family farmed north of Ft. Morgan in the Victory Community.  He attended grades 1 through 8 in a rural, one room school north of Ft. Morgan.  When he began high school, he had to ride a horse 3 miles to catch the bus into town. Ron graduated from Ft. Morgan High School in 1944.  After graduation, he joined the Coast Guard for Basic & Advanced Training, then transferred to the Army Transportation Corps.  Ron was honorably discharged from the Coast Guard and Army on December 28, 1946.

Upon his return to Ft. Morgan, he met and later married Rachel Schlotthauer on April 18, 1948.  They made their home in Ft. Morgan for 50 years before moving to Ft. Collins, then later to Loveland.  They raised 3 children during that time, Ronda, Randy and Rodney.  Ron was a jack of all trades and took great pride in building his own home in Ft. Morgan with the help of his dad.  In 2006, they moved to Idaho to be closer to their daughter.  Ron lost his wife in 2009 after 60 years of marriage, but continued to live in Idaho until 2012, when he returned to Colorado.

Ron worked as store manager for Hendrie & Bolthoff until the business was bought out and closed. He then joined Town & Country Plumbing & Heating in 1964 as office manager.  He stayed with the company until 1978.  After his move to Ft. Collins, he joined Allen Plumbing & Heating, again as office manager, where he worked until his retirement in 2004.

In 1951, Ron joined the Ft. Morgan Volunteer Fire Department putting in 25 years and 9 months of faithful service, retiring in 1977.  He wore many hats during these 25 years, serving as Chief of the Department for 8 years.  He was also elected as an officer of the State Fire Fighters Association, serving as their President from 1978 to 1979.  Ron particularly enjoyed attending annual State Conventions where he participated in competitive racing, helping the team win 5 State Championships. When they won the State Championship in 1972, the team dedicated the championship trophy to him.  Ron's love and dedication to the Fire Department and Fire Service was something he carried with him his whole life.

Ron loved his wife and family.  He was a good wood worker and often made things for himself and others.  In his later years, he loved to play cards, especially Poker, as well as many board games. He was also a Bronco fan and enjoyed watching the games with family and friends.

He was a member of the United Methodist Church in Ft. Morgan, and attended Methodist churches wherever he lived.

Ron was preceded in death by his parents and wife.  He is survived by a sister, Joyce Simpson of Ft. Morgan; 3 children:  Ronda (John) DeLeonard of Hayden, Idaho; Randy (Cara) Menking of Ft. Morgan; and Rodney (Yvette) Menking of Loveland; 6 grandchildren: Scott Feigel, Shawn Feigel, Brandon Menking, Joel Menking, Marissa Menking and Jenna Menking; 4 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

Cremation has taken place, at Ron's request, and a memorial service will be held Monday, December 3, 2018 at 10:30 am at the United Methodist Church in Ft. Morgan, followed by a graveside service in Memory Gardens Cemetery in Ft. Morgan.  In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Ft. Morgan Volunteer Fire Department