Ronald Eugene Blau, 68, of Russell, Kansas, died on Saturday, December 23, 2023, at his home in Russell.
Ronald was born on June 01, 1955, in Scott City, Kansas, the son of John L. and Joyce E. (Bennett) Blau. He grew up in Scott City, Kansas, and graduated from Scott City High School. After high school he took auto body classes at the Northwest Kansas Technical College in Goodland, Kansas. He was married to Pamala Broetzmann and from this union they were blessed with two children Josh and Chelsee. He and Pamala would later be divorced but remained close friends. He worked as an auto body repair technician for most all his life, finishing his career with James Motor Company out of Hays, Kansas. Just over twenty years ago he was diagnosed with a glioblastoma brain tumor and estimated to only have a year to live. Even though his diagnosis forced him to give up a career he was passionate about, he stayed busy and kept a positive attitude. He was very passionate about vintage cars, loved attending car shows and telling anyone who would listen about his Ford Ranch Wagon and Thunderbird. Ron enjoyed working with his hands and spent a great deal of his time repairing things for neighbors, family, and friends.
Surviving family include his daughter Chelsee Hoffman and husband Danny of Russell, Kansas and son Josh Blau and fiancée’ Ashley of Kansas City; brothers Gary Blau and wife Marie of Kanopolis, Kansas and Stan Blau and wife Lynn of Leoti, Kansas; sisters Sandy Emme and husband David and Christine Blau all of Manhattan, Kansas; and his grandchildren Bailee and Landry Hoffman.
He was preceded in death by his parents, younger brother George Blau, and ex-wife Pamala Broetzmann. The family will have a private memorial service at a later date and cremation has been selected by the family. Cards and condolences may be sent to the Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary in Russell, Kansas, who is in charge of the funeral service arrangements.