Ronald R. Heyse, 93, of Overland Park, Kansas, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loving wife of 64 years and family on Thursday, February 3, 2022.

Ron was born in Chicago, IL to Edwin and Julia Heyse. He was the younger brother to Edwin P. Heyse. Ron graduated from Harper High School and then enlisted in the US Army Air Force where he served as a Staff Sergeant in the 340th Bombardment Squadron, 97th Bombardment Group for three years. During his military service years, he was stationed in Japan, Guam and the USA.

Upon returning from serving his country, Ron went on to study television engineering at America Television Institute of Technology, Chicago, IL and later electrical engineering at Purdue University, Lafayette, IN. It was at Purdue, where he was a 2nd Degree Black Belt Judo instructor, that he “fell head over heels” in love with the one woman who was able to Judo toss him to the ground, Sharon L. Carney. It didn’t take much to see that these two belonged together; and on June 29, 1957, Ron and Sharon were joined in marriage and celebrated 64 wonderful years together.

After acquiring his education in engineering, Ron went on to navigate his path to a career in engineering with his new wife at his side. He was employed at Warwick Manufacturing Company, Zion, IL; Dynamatic Division of Eaton Manufacturing Company, Kenosha, WI; and Marathon Electric Manufacturing Corporation. He worked hard and travelled often and was given the opportunity to transfer from Wisconsin to Kansas in 1967 with his wife, seven children and their German Shepherd. It was in Kansas that Ron, Sharon and the kids began to settle in, make friends, get established in his new job and start to call Kansas home. When his company wanted to transfer Ron and his family back to Wisconsin, their neighbors and dear friends, Bruce and June Barrick, persuaded Ron and Sharon to stay in Kansas after a few margaritas on the patio and lots of tears between the two wives. It was at this point in 1971 that Ron took the greatest risk that a father of seven children could take at that time; he quit his job and started his own business, Ron Heyse & Associates, and was a water and wastewater management engineer until he retired.

Ron and his loving wife of 64 years, Sharon, were parents to seven wonderful children: Patty, Mike, David, Therese, Cathy, Greg and Sandy. Their love and devotion to each other, their children and their marriage showed in their involvement and deep commitment in Marriage Encounter for over 40 years where they made so many special life-long friends.

Ron loved his Lord and Savior and was a devout Catholic husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He was a member of Cure of Ars Church for 55 years and was a Eucharistic minister for as long as he was able. He was active in the Serra Club and Cursillo where he developed a greater faith, provided a strong sense of fellowship and brought him closer to God. His love and devotion to the Catholic faith inspired his wife, Sharon, to convert and be baptized in the Catholic Church as well. At one point, Ron and Sharon would go to mass every morning at 6:30 a.m. and sit in “their pew”, the left front row. Often, after mass, they would go to their favorite Paneras and share a meal or a cup of coffee with their early morning church- going friends.

In Ron’s younger years he enjoyed fishing with his kids and grandkids, coaching his kids sporting games, golfing, playing tennis at Nall Hills Country Club (where he was President in 1975), flying planes (he had his pilot’s license) and going on family vacations. He was a jack of all trades. If he didn’t know how to fix it he would figure out how. Most importantly, he had a good heart and giving spirit and reached out to help those in need, giving generously of his time and talents.

Ron was preceded in death by his father, Edwin P. Heyse; his mother, Julia Prahar; brother, Edwin P. Heyse; and nephew, Glenn Heyse.

Ron is survived by his wife, Sharon, of 64 years; seven children, Patty Leonard (Karl) of Moorhead, MN; Mike Heyse (Kim) of Olathe, KS; David Heyse of Great Bend, KS; Therese Hernandez of Overland Park, KS; Cathy Johnson (Dave) of Gardner, KS; Greg Heyse of Overland Park, KS and Sandy Heyse (Jane Baio) of Overland Park, KS and 13 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

We would like to thank all of our family and friends who have lifted up our Dad in special prayer and comforting words over the last few months.

We would also like to send our gratitude to the caregivers at Catholic Community Hospice who provided compassionate care and support to our Dad in his final days.

Finally, our Mom once ended a toast she gave to my Dad on their 48th Wedding Anniversary with this, “We have shared a lot of joy and laughter together and when it is time for one of us to meet our Lord, may these memories and love sustain the remaining one until we are reunited together again with the Perfect Love ... our Lord.”

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, February 16, 2022 at Cure of Ars Catholic Church, 9405 Mission Road, Leawood, KS from 10:30 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. with the rosary being prayed at 11:15 a.m. The Funeral Mass will follow the rosary at 11:30 a.m. Entombment will be in Resurrection Cemetery. The funeral will be live streamed. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to Catholic Community Hospice and Cure of Ars Catholic Church.