Ronald George Kukal

Ronald (Ron) George Kukal passed away on June 21st, 2025, in his home at the age of 85.

Ron was born in Rushville, NE on October 15, 1939, to George and Ruby (Butterfield) Kukal. He graduated from Rushville High School in 1951.

He went on to serve in the Navy from 1961 to 1967 working for the NSA as a communication technician and supervisor. His last duty was aboard the USS Liberty, June 8, 1967. He was a First-Class Petty Officer. He was awarded the Purple Heart, National Defense Service Medal, Navy Good Conduct Medal, Navy Presidential Unit Citation and Combat Action ribbons. He was given a special ceremony by his shipmates as an honorary Chief Petty Officer in Kalispell, MT.  He also co-authored a book with Phil Tourney and Phillip Nelson called “Remember the Liberty”.

He moved to Sheridan in 1979 to work at the VA hospital as an electrician until retiring in 2000.

He was married to Linda and had four children: Jared, Ron, Melissa, and Jason. On October 12, 1991, he married the love of his life, Connie (Mullin) Kukal and gained another son and daughter, Mike and Lynda Grover.

He had a goofy charm and a strong-headed spirit that made him unforgettable. Never one to back down from a challenge, he arm-wrestled every grandson—and just about anyone else—who was willing to take him on. He loved to laugh, to tease, and to give everyone a hard time in the most loving way, claiming it built “tough skin.” He never stopped fighting for the truth.

His door was always open, and the porch light was always on—a quiet invitation to anyone who needed a place to feel at home. The cookie jar stayed full, not just for visitors, but for himself too—he had a sweet tooth he never bothered to hide.

He was deeply devoted to his family, always finding ways to spoil his grandkids—whether it was helping them buy their first car or making sure college was covered. He believed in taking care of his own and did so with quiet pride and generosity. If someone nearby had a baby, he was the first to ask to hold it, cradling each little one like a gift.

By his side, always, was his little Pomeranian, Cricket. That tiny dog was more than a pet; she was his shadow, his companion, and his helper through so many chapters of life. He took Cricket to more states and on more vacations than his own kids some might say.

Music was in his soul, listening to Big Band, Jazz and more. He played boogie-woogie on the piano, while trying to teach his granddaughters. He played saxophone in high school, and later he tried to play songs with his grandson. He liked country music that was old as dirt, just like him. He danced and would make comments about how they just don’t make music the same anymore.

He lived without judgment and reminded us often: “If you haven’t walked in my shoes, don’t be eager to judge my decision.”  It wasn’t just something he said, it was how he lived, and with heart, humor, and a stubborn streak that made him impossible not to love.

At an early age Ron went to church, and he would talk about how his dad would whistle the hymn “In the Garden.” However, he didn’t accept Jesus into his heart until he was older, around 48 years in age. Accepting God changed his life. He played the organ and piano in a few different churches in Sheridan, WY. He was also in a worship group at the Wesleyan Church. He was ecstatic to help to put in new electricity in their new addition to their church. Ron always wanted to share his faith in Jesus with whoever would listen. He was the Chaplain for the Liberty Fellowship Association. He was Brother-Dad, Daddy-Ron, and Grandpa Ron to many people.    

He is survived by his wife Connie Kukal; his children; daughter-in-law Maggie (Durr) Grover; Son-in-law DJ Duenow; Aunt Ruth Kukal; several cousins; brothers-in-law Edward (Betty), Roger, Gary (Mary) and Paul Mullin all from Michigan; Grandchildren; “Adopted” grandchildren; Shipmates of the USS Liberty, Liberty Fellowship Kalispell, MT; many extended family members; close family friends; and so many more lives that he touched who will mourn his loss and carry on his memory.

He was a true Saint with a broken halo. Memorial donations are suggested to USS Liberty, LVA Liberty Vets, P.O. Box 3000, Pawley’s Island, SC  29585

A Funeral Service is at 2:00 P.M., Wednesday, July 2, 2025, at the Grace Baptist Church, with a light reception will follow at the church.

Ron will be laid to rest in the Black Hills National Cemetery in Sturgis, SD, on Thursday, July 3, 2025, at 10:00 A.M. with Military Honors. Online condolences may be made to www.sheridanfuneral.com. Arrangements are under the care of Sheridan Funeral Home.