Ronald Herbert Abitz

Ronald Herbert Abitz, 72, of Westmoreland, Kansas, died Friday, August 11, 2023, at University of Kansas Health Center, St. Francis Campus, in Topeka.   He was a life-long member of the area.

Ron was born on August 31, 1950, in Onaga, Kansas, the son of Herbert F. and Adelina (Honig) Abitz.  He attended Wheaton grade school and graduated from Onaga High School in 1968.  He then attended Pittsburg State University, where he played on the school’s football team, and then he attended Manhattan Technical College.

Ron was a farmer and a stockman, working on the family farm most of his adult life.  He also owned and operated Ron’s Bar and Grill in Onaga for several years.  He loved to cook and was especially known for his brisket and ham gravy.  Ron had his own secret process for his brisket, and it was a secret that died with him.  He enjoyed hunting and did guided hunting trips and going fishing.  Going to the Casino was a favorite pastime for Ron, He had several different coffee spots in Westmoreland and Onaga to sit and visit with friends. 

Ron had a reputation of being ornery, but also was an active and loving grandfather and foster-grandfather to more than twenty-five foster children.

Ron married Barbara Ann Smith on June 15, 1979.  Following forty-four years of life together, she survives at their home.

Ron is also survived by his sons; Marcus Abitz (Jordan), of Wheaton, and Joe LeBlanc (Staci) of Westmoreland, his grandchildren, Jacie LeBlanc, Elizabeth Abitz, Charlotte Abitz, and Silas Abitz; and his brother Lee Abitz (Barbara), Emmett.  Ron was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Jerry.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 am, Monday, August 21, 2023, at St. Luke Lutheran Church in Wheaton, Kansas.  Reverend Terry DeGiovanni will be officiating.  Burial will follow in St. Luke Lutheran North Cemetery.  Ron will lie-in-state on Sunday, August 20th, beginning at 4:00 pm at the church where the family will greet friends from 5:00 to 7:00 pm.  They suggest memorial contributions to St. Luke Lutheran Church, and those may be sent in care of Campanella and Stewart Funeral Home.  Online condolences may be made at www.campanellastewart.com.