Ronald J. Koziol, of Mountain Home, Arkansas, passed away Thursday, April 20th at White River Med Center in Batesville, Arkansas.
Ron and his twin sister, Rita, were born January 30, 1956, in Columbus, NE to Stanley E. and Florence (Kiolbasa) Koziol.
Ronald spent his early years on farms near Humphrey, NE. The family moved to Columbus, NE in 1963. He is a 1974 graduate of Columbus High School. Ron joined the US Navy during the Vietnam War and was a SeaBee heavy equipment operator (Class A), serving from October 2, 1974 through June 9, 1976.
Ron’s interest in everything mechanical led to a lifetime of jobs requiring his ability to handle equipment of all kinds. He retired to Mountain Home, Arkansas in 2017.
He always had a tractor in his life and loved the many cars, trucks, and motorcycles he owned. He traded, collected, and restored firearms of all types, new and antique. His knowledge of firearms and his ability as a sharpshooter were a great joy to him.
He loved Harley Davidson Motorcycles, owning several during his lifetime. He traveled the country with friends attending gun shows, visiting flea markets, antique shows, and gun shops.
Due to a frontal lobe brain injury sustained in an auto accident on June 26, 2021, Ron spent the last year and a half in an assisted living facility.
Ron was always there for anyone who needed help and will be remembered as a true friend to all who knew him. He is no longer confined by his injuries but is walking tall, strong, and whole again with our Lord.
He is survived by his sisters, Elaine (Douglas) Swanson, Rita (Dave) Engquist, nieces, Anna (Anthony) LaGreca, Kaya (Jesse) Bell, Amy (Kelly) Emanuel, Kelly Ann Engquist, along with many great nieces and nephews.
Preceded in death by his parents Stanley and Florence Koziol.
Funeral Service will be held 10:00 am Saturday, May 6, 2023 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 17630 North 3rd Street, Davey, NE
Military burial at Fridhem Cemetery, Swedeburg, NE.
Visitation 5:00-7:00 pm Friday, May 5, 2023 at Metcalf Funeral Home, 245 N. 27th Street, Lincoln, NE.
Memorials to Fridhem Cemetery Care of Doug and Elaine Swanson.