Burdette L. "Ronnie" Ronnau

Burdette L. “Ronnie” Ronnau, 86, of Lexington, Nebraska, passed away Thursday, February 7, 2013, at Lexington Regional Health Center. He was born October 26, 1926, in Otoe County, Nebraska, 4½ miles north of Syracuse, to Floyd and Melda (Finke) Ronnau. Ronnie started school at Klondike District #37 through the 5th grade, then Pawnee District #43 through the 7th grade, and graduated from Syracuse High School with the class of 1944. Following graduation Ronnie farmed with his father until being drafted into the United States Army. He served his country valiantly from August of 1945, until being Honorably Discharged in October of 1946. Upon returning to Nebraska Ronnie worked for Ernie Finke, started learning electrical work and worked for Quentin Esser and Henry Schulte. Also, he worked for the Soil Conservation District building land terraces, and the REA. In December of 1951, Ronnie went to work for the Missouri Valley Construction Company as highway Superintendent. He blasted rock and helped build Highway #183 across Harlan County Dam, Interstate 80 across Nebraska, working on the grading and paving crews, large equipment operator, and pumping gravel. He was united in marriage to Betty Kiehl Giger on February 2, 1964, in Grand Island, Nebraska. He welcomed Betty’s two sons, Larry and Garry, and Michael was born to this union. The couple lived in several towns including; Grand Island and Alda prior to settling at Johnson Lake near Lexington, Nebraska in 1974. He went to work for Sperry New Holland in Lexington, retiring in 1986. In 1986, the couple moved to San Ygnacio, Texas where they lived for 20 years, returning to Nebraska in 2007. Ronnie was proud of his service to his Country and was active in the American Legion in Zapata, Texas. He was also a faithful member of the United Methodist Churches in Alda, Elwood, and Lexington, Nebraska as well as Zapata and Laredo, Texas. Ronnie’s interests were varied; he enjoyed building things, and being busy with his hands, football, western movies, books, computer solitaire and spending time with family, especially the grandchildren. Ronnie was a wonderful husband, father and grandfather who will be very missed by all who knew and loved him. Survivors include his wife; Betty Ronnau of Lexington, Nebraska; sons, Larry (Catherine) Giger of Bertrand, Nebraska; Michael Ronnau of Glendale, Arizona; brother, Dalyce Ronnau of Lincoln, Nebraska; three grandsons; Justin Giger of Bertrand, Nebraska; Nick Giger serving in the Air Force in England, and Kyle Giger of Hastings, Nebraska; one great-grandson, Jaxen Giger of Smithfield, Nebraska; one sister-in-law, Thelma Frans of Phoenix, Arizona; as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. Ronnie was preceded in death by his parents; one son, Garry in 1979; one brother and sister-in-law, Duane (Ardyth) Ronnau; one sister and brother-in-law, Phyllis (Duane) Amend; and one sister-in-law, Deloris Ronnau. It was Ronnie’s wishes that his body be cremated. There will be no visitation. A Memorial Celebration of Life will be held Friday, February 15, 2013, at 2:00 p.m. at First United Methodist Church in Lexington with Reverend Tess Hufford officiating. Inurnment will be held later at Fort McPherson National Cemetery at Maxwell, Nebraska with Military Honors. Memorials are suggested to Johnson Lake EMS or Lexington Volunteer Fire Department. Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington is in charge of arrangements. Please share online condolences with the family through: reynoldslovefuneralhome.com.