Ronald V. Woelk, Cpt. U.S. Army Retired, 87, died peacefully May 19, 2012, while surrounded by family at Hospice House. He was born on Feb. 8, 1925, to Henry and Anna Schroeder Woelk, at Goessel, Kan.

Ronald married the love of his life, Marcie Friesen, on Feb. 25, 1943, in Cottonwood Falls, Kan. They were married for 69 years.

He served in the U.S. Army in the South Pacific during World War II. He continued his service in the Army Reserve as the Adjutant, 314th Engineering Battalion. From 1964 to 1996, he was a Mobilization Designee. He retired as captain after 53 years of service. A Hutchinson resident since 1946, he managed the Sears Auto Center for 30 years, retiring in 1980. He was a painting contractor from 1981-1996. He was a member of the First Mennonite Church in Hutchinson since 1941. He was also a member of the American Legion Post #48, member of the Loyal Order of Moose #982 and a lifetime member of the Reserve Officers Association.

Survivors include: his wife; three sons and their wives, Bob Woelk (Hisae) and Keith Woelk (Brenda), of Hutchinson and Darrell Woelk (Barbara) of Austin, Texas; four grandchildren, Kathy Jaafar, Matthew Woelk, Paul Woelk and Chad Woelk; four great-grandchildren; brother, Randy Woelk; three sisters, Gladys Esau, Ruby Baresch and Norma Agatstein. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Irma Peters.

Funeral service will be 10 a.m. Tuesday, May 22, 2012, at First Mennonite Church with Pastor Tonya Ramer Wenger officiating. Burial will be in Buhler Municipal Cemetery. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday, with the family to receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. at Elliott Mortuary. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hospice House, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501. Please visit www.elliottmortuary.com to leave condolences for Ronald's family.