L.Ronald "Ron" Fleecs

L. Ronald Fleecs, 88, affectionately known as “Mr. Watershed” and to his family simply as Dad and Grandpa, passed away peacefully on April 12, 2026, in Delray Beach, Florida, leaving behind a legacy of dedication, faith, and quiet strength.

Ron was born January 12, 1938, in Sutherland, Nebraska, to George and Freda (Hoefer) Fleecs. He attended Sutherland Public Schools and graduated in 1955. On August 30, 1958, he married Maria Blackos of North Platte at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Sutherland. Following their marriage, they returned to Lincoln, where Ron completed his studies at the University of Nebraska, graduating in 1959 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Soil Conservation.

Ron began his professional career in June 1959 as a soil conservationist with the Soil Conservation Service in Oshkosh, Nebraska. In December 1962, he became Work Unit Conservationist in Chappell, Nebraska, and in 1963 accepted a position with the Nebraska Soil and Water Conservation Commission in Lincoln as a Watershed Specialist.

In July 1972, Ron was named Manager of the Lower Big Blue Natural Resources District in Beatrice, Nebraska, where he served until his retirement in July 2004. Over more than three decades, he became widely known and respected for his leadership and deep commitment to conservation, earning the nickname “Mr. Watershed.”

While living in Beatrice, Ron was active in numerous civic and professional organizations. He served as past president of the Nebraska Natural Resources District Managers and was a member of the Kiwanis Club, Beatrice Elks Club, Beatrice Eagles Club, and Beatrice Chamber of Commerce. He also served eight years on the Beatrice City Council, including four years as council president, and was a member of the Board of Public Works for eight years.

Ron received numerous awards and recognitions throughout his career. He was nominated for the Nebraska Natural Resources Commission’s “Watershed of the Year Award” in both 1974 and 2004, receiving the honor in 2004 for the Swan Creek Watershed Project. In 1980, he received the Nebraska Council Commendation from the Soil Conservation Society of America. Among his proudest honors was being named an “Admiral in the Great Navy of the State of Nebraska” by Governors Charles Thone and Mike Johanns.

Ron and Maria moved to Lincoln in 2013 to be closer to friends and to the University of Nebraska, a place that remained dear to his heart. A devoted Husker football fan, Ron held perfect home game attendance from 1964 through 1982. He lived the spirit of the beloved song No Place Like Nebraska: “We’ll all stick together, in all kinds of weather, for dear old Nebraska U.”

Their 62-year marriage was the foundation of everything Ron built and cherished. Together, Ron and Maria shared a love of travel, especially their annual trips to Hawaii. For more than ten years, they returned to the same island and hotel each February to watch the whales and reconnect with friends they had made along the way. At home, Ron found simple joy in gardening, proudly growing tomatoes and cucumbers.

A man of deep faith, Ron was an active member of the Catholic Church, serving as a lector, usher, and dedicated volunteer. His faith was not only something he believed—it was something he lived. His family remembers well that no matter what Saturday night held, Sunday morning meant Mass—no exceptions, no excuses. It was his quiet but unmistakable way of showing what truly mattered.

In 2019, Ron and Maria moved to St. Louis to be closer to family. After Maria’s passing in 2020, Ron later relocated to Delray Beach, Florida, in 2024, where he remained until his passing.

Ron is survived by his sons, Jeff (Susan) Fleecs of Alva, Florida, and Jay (Brenda) Fleecs of Norfolk, Nebraska; his daughter, Jennifer Bohling of Boynton Beach, Florida; six grandchildren, Joshua Davis, Justin Batte, Evan Fleecs, Andrew Fleecs, Jaxson Fleecs, and Kaitlyn Fleecs; and two great-grandchildren, Clayton and Jasper Batte. He is also survived by his sister, Shirley (Bob) Gaylen of Elkton, Maryland, along with several cousins, nieces, and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Maria; his parents, George and Freda Fleecs; his brothers, Robert and Francis Fleecs; his sister, Dorothy Wills; and his grandsons, Adam Fleecs and Jon Batte.

A Rosary will be held on April 27, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. at Odean Colonial Chapel. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on April 28, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Sutherland, Nebraska. Burial will follow at Riverview Cemetery in Sutherland.

Memorials are suggested to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Online condolences may be shared at odeanchapel.com. Odean Colonial Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements.