Ron Ellenz

Ron Ellenz, 88, of Beloit, Kansas, passed peacefully surrounded by his family on May 21, 2025. He was born on October 18th, 1936, in Tipton, Kansas to Aaron and Marie (Gasper) Ellenz. He was raised on the family farm and attended Wichita State University after graduating from Tipton High School.

He met his beloved wife, Joan (Carrico), on a blind date in Wichita. He worked at Boeing on the manufacturing line for the B52 until 1962 when he and Joan moved to Beloit to work with his in-laws, Paul  and Helen Carrico, in the Minneapolis Moline dealership that was established in 1955. It was his true calling, and it enabled him to remain tied to his passion for farming. His three children, Dan, Karen and Craig, were brought up in the business and maintain active roles today. He was an integral part in the growth of the dealership, particularly when John Deere approached the family to take on their equipment line in 1986.

He was highly respected by customers who were astonished by his photographic memory. He could still rattle off many Minneapolis Moline part numbers years after his retirement. He kept an office at the dealership after retirement and continued to follow the activities of customers and employees. His compassionate nature showed in everything that he did for others, and his employees were an extended part of his family.

Ron was an exceptional high school basketball player and relished following the sporting activities of his children and grandchildren. He was an active participant in the audience, and he and his good friend, Ron Eilert, were well-known by many referees. He was a devoted supporter of St. John's and was instrumental in the vision and continued development of the parish and school. His favorite pastime was mowing, and he thoroughly enjoyed maintaining the football field for many years. His love of sports never waned, and he faithfully followed area high school, college and professional teams in his retirement years.

Ron was a member of the National Guard for 6 years and served on many national equipment dealer councils during his career. He was a 4th degree Knight of Columbus and eucharistic minister for many years. Members of his family, parishioners, employees and customers will cherish his memory and the legacy he left behind.

Ron was preceded in death by his parents, Aaron and Marie and his brothers Charlie and Dave. He is survived by his wife Joan, children Dan (Julie) Ellenz, Karen (Mike) Pestinger and Craig (Sarah) Ellenz and brothers Gene (Caroline) and Larry (Velma) Ellenz, sister Marilyn Ellenz, and sister-in-law Carolyn Ellenz; grandchildren Garrett and Brad (Lyn) Ellenz; Matt (Kylie) and Blake (Amanda) Pestinger; Ashley (Tanner) Foster and Taylor (Arrow) Ellenz; step granddaughters Katie (Mary) Wilkerson and Rachel (Jesse) Zimmer; and 7 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be at 1:30 PM Saturday, May 24 at the St. John's Catholic Church. Private family burial will take place at a later date. Visitation will be from 1-7 PM, with family present at 5:30 PM, & a rosary service will be at 7 PM Friday at the Roberts Family Funeral Home. Memorials may be given to the St. John's Catholic Church or Solomon Valley Hospice.