Ron graduated from Grand Island High School (1951), University of Nebraska (1955) and received his J.D. (1959). He married Mary Jo Vanosdall on January 3, 1956. He served in the U. S. Army Military Police and was Honorably Discharged as First Lieutenant (1957).
Ron practiced privately for two years with Nelson, Harding & Acklie before becoming the City Prosecutor. He then served as Deputy, Chief Deputy and Lancaster County Attorney (1975-1980). In 1981, Ron was appointed by President Reagan as United States Attorney for the District of Nebraska. He retired after 26 years as an Administrative Law Judge with the Social Security Administration.
For 50 years, Ron was a part-time Adjunct Professor at the University of Nebraska at Lincoln and Omaha, Business Law and Ethics, undergraduate and graduate courses and was a lecturer at UNL School of Law on numerous occasions with various law enforcement groups and civic organizations.
Over the years, Ron was a member and served many organizations including; Nebraska and Lincoln Bar Association, US Attorney General’s Subcommittee on Drug Abuse Prevention, Education, Investigative Agencies and Indian Affairs, Eight Circuit Judicial Conference Advisory Committee, Federal District Court Reform Advisory Committee, Governor’s Drug and Violent Crime Policy Board, Omaha Community Partnership, Federal District Court Advisory Committee, County Attorneys Association, PRIDE Omaha, Nebraska Coalition for Victims and Crime and Prevention of Drug Problems, Chapter 44-Footprinters Association, Region 11 Crime Commission, Mayor’s Advisory Board on Corrections, Nebraska County Attorney Standards Advisory Council, National District Attorney’s Committee on Juvenile Court Standards, Masonic Lodge #219, A.F. & A.M., Scottish Rite, Shrine, and Order of Eastern Star Lodge 271. Ron and his wife Mary Jo were active members in the Republican Party. He was also a member of Saint Paul United Methodist Church.
Ron received many awards and honors including; Nebraska Law Enforcement Coordinating Committee’s “Top Gun Award”, Criminal Defense Investigative Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Award, National Fish and Wildlife Foundation “Guy Bradley Award”, and Law Enforcement Intelligence Network in Nebraska. Bar Foundation’s Distinguished Service Award.
Family members include his children, Guy (Kathy) Lahners, Kelly (Jeff) Stallworth, and Jay (Christine) Lahners; along with many beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Preceded in death by his parents, wife Mary Jo, siblings Lyle (Dorothy), Don (Elaine), Thomas “Howard” (Dorothy), Arduth Lahners Gilliland, and Walter “Stan” (Bernadine).
Ronald lived a good life and was loved by all. He was a blessed man.
A memorial service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 22, 2026, at Roper and Sons South Chapel (3950 Hohensee Dr, Lincoln, NE 68516). A private family interment will be held.
Memorials are designated to Saint Paul United Methodist Church.