Ronald J. Heinz, Sr.

Ronald John Heinz Sr. died May 8th, 2019 at his home in Cheyenne Wells.  He was born January 11, 1925 on the family farm close to Kinsley, KS to Henry and Teresa (Kramer) Heinz.  He attended St. Nicholas Grade School and Kinsley High School.

In 1946 Ronald and his brother, Melvin, came to Cheyenne County to farm land their father had purchased.  Ronald met Lorraine Laudick in February of 1947.  They married December 30, 1947 at St. John the Baptist Church in Spearville, KS.  In the spring of 1948 they moved to Cheyenne Wells to continue farming operations.  To the marriage was born 5 children: Nancy, Ronald Jr., Thomas, Paula and Lauri.

Ronald farmed and ranched south of town until 1987 when he and Lorraine built a new home in town, although he didn’t retire until many years later.

Ronald enjoyed playing and watching sports (especially his kids and grandkids), fishing, bowling and later traveling with Lorraine in their 5th wheel trailer.  Unfortunately Macular Degeneration effected his eyesight so that he had to give up many activities. The last few years he liked to listen to CU basketball and Colorado Rockies games.

Ronald was a self-taught carpenter. He helped Melvin build their home, added onto and remodeled the farm house, built a large pole shed, helped with renovations to the Catholic school, refurbish the Knights Hall and completely finished the interior of their new home.  He also helped his children make improvements to their own home – many times initiating the change – if he saw a need of any kind he went to work.

Ronald was very active in the Knights of Columbus – a charter member for 70 years.  He and Doc Keefe started the Jr. High basketball tournament and helped run bingo for many years.  He also served on the school board and FSA boards.

Ronald is preceded in death by his parents, Henry & Teresa, bothers Melvin, William (Juanita), Henry James Jr. (Rosemary).  He is survived by his wife of 71 years, Lorraine, sister-in-law Frances, brother-in-law John Laudick, children Nancy, Ronald Jr., Thomas (Cyndy), Paula and Lauri Sweet (Alan); 6 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Memorials may be made to Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Ronald's memory and may be left at or sent to the Eastern Colorado Bank, 10 S 1st, Cheyenne Wells, CO 80810.