Ronald (Ron) A. Adelhardt, 87, of Partridge, died September 5, 2021, in Quinter. He was born March 15, 1934, in rural Cunningham to John and Emma (Simon) Adelhardt.
Ron married Patricia R. Landwehr on Aug. 20, 1960, at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Sharon, commencing nearly 57 more trips around the sun with her.
He was a graduate of St. Leo Catholic School, Cunningham High School (’54), Garden City Community College, and Idaho State University. At a time when high school was optional, he was encouraged by a friend to use his tall stature to help the local basketball team. Ron’s first walk through the gym doors would impact his career choice and many students and athletes in the Partridge and Haven school districts.
Ron attended college on basketball scholarships, helping both the GCCC Broncbusters and the ISU Bengals reach the NJCAA and NCAA tournaments, accomplishments that you only learned if you inquired.
In 1960, Ron and Pat moved to Partridge where he began coaching and teaching 7-8 math and science and 1-8 physical education at Partridge Grade School. He held high expectations for his students and players, though not higher than those he held for himself. In 1999, Ron retired from teaching for the Partridge Rural School District and USD 312 after 35 years, and in 2012 he retired from driving a school bus after 53 years.
While Ron highly valued his profession, it was surpassed by his love for Pat, his kids and grandkids, his large extended family, his farm upbringing on the Kansas prairie near St. Leo, and his Catholic faith. With a ready smile, Ron enjoyed conversing with people, always finding a way to turn the topic to them versus himself. A child of the Great Depression, he took care of what he had, repairing most things to last well beyond their projected years. Ron was a realist, but even during difficult times, he found the good in people and the world. To those who knew and loved him, he was a giant among men, both literally and figuratively.
Survivors include: daughters, Cindy Hertel (Joe) of Ellis and Ronna Schultz (Doug) of Grainfield; son, Danny Adelhardt (Debi) of Wichita; daughter-in-law, Jackie Adelhardt of Nickerson; grandchildren, Sara Britton (Kelly), Katie Closs (Evan), Abby Power (Keller), Larry (Jenifer), John, Joseph, and Laurissa Adelhardt; Seri (Olivia) and Drew (Megan) Hertel; Cas (Ashley), Ty, and Tyra Schultz; and Reed Adelhardt; nine great-grandchildren; two step-great-grandchildren; brother, John (Linda) of Nashville; sister, Rita of Cunningham; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Larry Adelhardt; granddaughter, Rachel Adelhardt; grandson, Dal Schultz; sisters, Marcella Ford and Eleanor Zogelman; brothers, Alois, Eugene, Frederick, and Elmer; and seven grandchildren named by God.
Parish rosary will be 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 8, 2021, at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, 612 S. Maple, South Hutchinson. Prior to the rosary, the family will greet friends from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the church. A reception will follow the rosary in the parish hall. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m., Thursday, Sept. 9, 2021, preceded by a family rosary at 9:30 a.m., at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church. Burial will follow in Partridge Cemetery, Partridge. Friends may call from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Wednesday at Elliott Mortuary. Due to COVID, masks are highly encouraged.