Ronald W. "Ron" Wells

Ronald "Ron" W. Wells, 85, of Cotesfield, passed away on March 13, 2026, at Brookefield Park in St. Paul.

Born on November 18, 1940, in Howard County to Harland and Rosabelle (Larsen) Wells, Ron grew up in Cotesfield and graduated from Elba Public Schools in 1959. He spent his life farming near Cotesfield, first with his father and later on his own. In 1961 he married Laretta Jess, with whom he had a daughter, Rhonda. After Laretta’s death in 1963, he married Bonnie Klanecky of Ord on July 1, 1966. Bonnie lovingly raised Rhonda and together they had two sons, David and Jeff. Chaniece Kornegay later became part of their family.

Ron cherished his wife and children above all else. He found deep joy in the quiet beauty of nature, particularly in watching sunrises and sunsets, and remained a lifelong student of the natural world around him. His steady presence and love for his family left a lasting impression on all who knew him.

He is survived by his four children—Rhonda, David, Jeff, and Chaniece—and five grandchildren, as well as his sister-in-law Karen of Grand Island, and brothers and sisters-in-law Roger and Deb of Lexington and Rodney and Linda of Cotesfield. He was preceded in death by his wives, Laretta and Bonnie; his brother Larry; and his parents.