Ronald J. Vrtiska, 71 years of age, of Filley passed away on Friday, January 3, 2025 at the Good Samaritan Society in Beatrice. He was born on August 6, 1953 in Beatrice to Charles and Clara (Krikava) Vrtiska. Ron attended kindergarten at Cottonwood Country School before attending St. Joseph Catholic School in Beatrice. He graduated from Beatrice High School in 1971. Ron served his country as a machinist in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War from July 12, 1971 to June 5, 1975. After his time in the Navy, he earned his associate degree from Southeast Community College in Milford. Ron worked several places including Frantz Implement and Northern Natural Gas until his health forced him to retire. He reconnected with his high school sweetheart, Maureen Oltman and they were married on June 9, 2015. Ron was a member of the VFW, American Legion, Fraternal Order of Eagles and DAV. He was a dedicated father and enjoyed helping with boy scouts, people watching, bird watching, reading the newspaper, socializing, being outdoors, hunting and fishing, hiking the old RR line, trips to Canada and especially being involved with anything his kids were doing. 

Ron is survived by his wife, Maureen; sons, Scott Vrtiska and wife Renee of Sweden, Michael Vrtiska and wife Jamie of Cook, Eric Vrtiska and wife Stacey of Auburn, Brian Vrtiska and wife Micaela of Holmesville; step son, Matthew Klein and wife Tara of Urbandale, Iowa; step daughter, Rebecca Zimmerman and husband Tom of Lincoln; mother, Clara Vrtiska; 7 grandchildren, 2 step grandchildren; sisters, Mary Theasmeyer and husband Bob of Gothenburg, Elaine Essam and husband John, Diane Barnard and husband Gail, both of Beatrice; Janelle Keller and husband Rick of Topeka, Kansas; David Vrtiska and wife Judy of Wymore; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his father.

A Celebration of Life will begin at 11:30 AM Wednesday, January 8, 2025 at the Veteran’s Club in Beatrice. Private memorial services will be held and inurnment will be in the Evergreen Home Cemetery in Beatrice. There will be no visitation. Memorials are suggested to the family’s choice in care of the mortuary. Condolences may be left online at www.harmanwrightmortuary.com. Harman-Wright Mortuary & Crematory in Beatrice in charge of arrangements.