Ronald R. Johnson, 79 of North Platte, passed away unexpectedly at his home on February 21, 2026.

Ron was born January 1, 1947 to Ray and Ella Johnson, thus making him the first baby born of the New Year.

He grew up in North Platte attending Roosevelt Elementary and North Platte High School, graduating in 1965. Ron met and married Carol and had one son Craig, later divorcing. Ron then met and married the love of his life, Mary Cogdill Epping.

Though out his life, Ron had various jobs before hiring on at Union Pacific Railroad in 1968, where he started in the yards. Ron then started working the line as a switchman traveling to Cheyenne and Morrill. Later, he became a brakeman/conductor. After 39 years with the Union Pacific, Ron retired in 2007. During his time with Union Pacific, he was also a contractor with Tabler Construction, building many homes and business in North Platte. Ron also built his home, where he raised his family.

Ron was a quiet, stubborn man with a big heart. He was an avid husker fan and he especially loved husker volley ball. He loved reading western novels and watching Nascar. A new interest of Ron’s was researching family history. His passion was his woodworking and carpentry. He loved spending time with his family, especially his grandsons.

Ron was proceeded in death by his wife Mary Johson, his parents, Ray and Ella Johnson; sister, Delores Stearns; brother-in-law Mark Deeter and grandson Deone Forden.

Left to cherish his memory are his daughter Kim (Randy) Hongsermeier and family; sister, Barbra Johnson Deeter; son, Craig Johnson; stepchildren Mike (Joan) Epping, Kris (Sherm) Forden, Connie (Curty) Cook, and the several grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

In Lieu of flowers, memorials can be given to the family to be distributed to the many local causes Ron supported.