Ronald Mehsling

Ronald Roger Mehsling, age 85, of Council Bluffs, Iowa, joined his wife in Heaven on May 23, 2025 in Omaha, Nebraska.

Ron was born on December 31, 1939, in Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin, to Oliver and Rita (Melvin) Mehsling. He graduated from St. Francis High School in 1957 and proudly served in the United States Navy from 1957 to 1961. During his service, he was stationed in Memphis, TN; Norman, OK; San Diego, CA; and Norfolk, VA, working as an Aviation Structural Mechanic and Hydraulic Specialist.

On April 24, 1965, Ron married the love of his life, Karen Ann Krohn, at St. Francis Church in Council Bluffs, Iowa. Together, they raised two children, Brad and Michelle, and shared 58 wonderful years of marriage. A devoted family man, Ron was a beloved son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He was a longtime member of St. Peter's Catholic Church in Council Bluffs.

Ron began his career at Safeway in 1961, eventually becoming a produce manager. After Safeway closed its local stores in 1982, he continued working in the grocery industry until joining Hy-Vee in 1991. In 1996, with the arrival of casino boats in the area, Ron trained to become a dealer at Harvey's Casino. For ten years, he balanced nearly full-time roles at both Hy-Vee and the casino. He retired from Hy-Vee in 2006 but continued dealing at Harrah's Casino (formerly Harvey's), and later at Horseshoe Casino, retiring in March 2020.

A passionate bowler for over 48 years, Ron was active in several leagues including the Holy Name League and the Merchants League, where he served for many years as secretary/treasurer. He was also a dedicated director in the Council Bluffs Men's Bowling Association.

In his free time, Ron enjoyed playing cribbage and was an enthusiastic sports fan, never missing an opportunity to watch a game on TV or attend the College World Series. He will be remembered for his quick wit and humor, infectious smile and most of all, his unwavering love for his family.

Ron was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Karen; parents, Oliver and Rita Mehsling; sister, Andrea (Manning) Mehsling; brother- and sister-in-law, Darrell and Nadine (Krohn) Dreager.

He is survived by his children: Brad (Anita) Mehsling of Gretna, Nebraska, and Michelle (Jim) Meyer of Howell, Michigan; grandchildren: Alicia (Isaiah) Grace of Omaha, NE; Tayler (Taylour) Sousa of Council Bluffs, IA; Whitney (Jonah) Atkinson of Aurora, CO; Payton Mehsling of Omaha, NE; Kevin (Kaleigh) Harkins of Dayton, OH; Grace Harkins of Spokane, WA; Emily Harkins of Omaha, NE; and Kaitlyn and William Meyer of Howell, MI; great-grandchildren: Joslyn Grace, Kobe Bowman, Karter Bowman, Kemma Grace, Kenley Grace, Aria Atkinson, and Jorgena Sousa; niece Kimberly (Rick) Perkins of Omaha, NE; nephew Mark (Lori) Dreager of Council Bluffs, IA, and their children Rebecca Mahlberg and Nathan Dreager.

He is also survived by his siblings: Cheryl (Bill) Perkins, Dick (Jeanne) Mehsling, Mike Mehsling, Ken Mehsling, Joe (Ruth) Mehsling, Bill (Kay) Mehsling, Mary Teague, and Julie Hackel.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM at Hoy Kilnoski Funeral Home on Wednesday, May 28, 2025.

Rosary Recitation will be at 9:00 A.M at St Peter's Catholic Church on Thursday, May 29, 2025 with a Funeral Mass to begin at 10:00 A.M, also at the church. Ron will be laid to rest at Graceland Cemetery in Avoca, Iowa. The family will direct memorials.