Ronald E. Auck

Ronald E. Auck, 81, died peacefully Friday evening, September 29, 2023 at Signature Healthcare of Galion, where he had resided since January, after years of being afflicted with Parkinson’s Disease.

Ron was born at home in Seneca County on January 23, 1942 to the late Willard and Aida (Miller) Auck. He was the oldest of six children and they grew up in Chatfield where he attended school before graduating from Buckeye Central’s first class in 1961. He met his wife, Karen K. Ahlefeld, through mutual friends, John and Linda McLaughlin and they shared 41 years of marriage when she passed away on July 13, 2010. They had two daughters, Gretchen Henson of Galion and Nicki (Brian) Martin of Bucyrus.

Ron retired from Pacal Steel where coworkers knew him as “Farmer” and went on to work at Picking Copper Kettle, applying his skilled blacksmith trade, and helped longtime family friend, Nathan Brause at Sunnyslope Farms. Ron loved his grandchildren with his whole heart and bragged about them to all who would listen. He had four grandchildren, Ashley Jarrell (fiancé Jon Freeman), Zack Martin (Brianna Brown), Sam Martin, and Karena Henson and six great grandchildren, Brayden, Landen, and Graysen Martin, John Miller, Savannah Jarrell, and the soon-expected James Freeman.

Ron loved camping with his family and did living history reenactments for 20 years. He was partial to green tractors and could often be found in his forge, whistling away while wearing bibs and shaping steel to the beat of dulcimer music from the radio. He loved teaching others his craft of blacksmithing and helped get several local artisans started. Ron loved the Lord and had a heart for missions. He was able to overcome his angst over flying to go on three short-term missions trips to New Zealand to assist in the work of the Beal family. He also served as a Deacon and Elder in the former Hope Church.

Ron is survived by his children, grandchildren, and siblings, Nancy Hensley, Julia (Dan) Dunham, Sue Hoover, Donald (Donna) Auck, and Arnie (Heather) Auck, sister-in-law, Linda Reis-Heilman (Daniel), and numerous nieces and nephews.  

In addition to his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by brothers-in-law, John Hensley, Gerald Hoover, and Daryle Ahlefeld; sister-in-law, Joann Ahlefeld; and three nephews, Loni Metz, Ivan Ahlefeld, and William Roski.

The Auck family will receive friends on Wednesday, October 4 from 1-3 and 5-7 pm at Wise Funeral Service in Bucyrus where his funeral will be held on Thursday at 10:30 am with Pastor Chris Plough officiating. Burial will follow in Brokensword Cemetery.

Those wishing to make donations in lieu of flowers are asked to make them payable to Gideons or Samaritan’s Purse (for Operation Christmas Child) and give at the funeral home.

Memories and photos can be shared on Ron's guestbook.