Ronald “Ron” Wayne Olness, 79, of Dodge Center, MN, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, May 10, 2026. Born January 7, 1947, in Owatonna, MN, to John Wilhelm Olness and Hazel Olive (Downs) Olness, Ron grew up with grease on his hands, curiosity in his mind, and probably a wrench nearby. He graduated from Dodge Center High School in 1965, where he was active in Student Council and Future Farmers of America (FFA)—early signs of the hardworking, community-minded man he would become.

Ron spent his entire life proudly rooted on his family farm in Dodge Center. Faith and fellowship were important parts of his life as a member of Dodge Center United Methodist Church and the Masonic Fraternity. He took enormous pride in his work as a concrete truck driver for Ready-Mix Dodge Center and Leitzen Concrete Rochester.

To know Ron was to know his passion for cars. Not just driving them—building them, fixing them, collecting them, talking about them, and occasionally convincing others that they were “almost running.” His crown jewel was a Shelby Cobra kit car he painstakingly built for over 10 years, proving that patience and horsepower can, in fact, coexist.

Ron loved playing pool, cards, and dice, listening to classic rock, reading books, petting his dogs, and having long conversations about anything. He was a lifelong learner with a remarkable ability to connect with people. Whether you needed advice, help fixing something, or someone to laugh with, Ron was your guy. He approached life with curiosity and a willingness to tackle any problem head-on. But beneath the lighthearted banter and garage projects was a man with an enormous heart.

Ron loved his family fiercely and quietly. He showed his love by showing up, lending a hand, sharing stories, giving the best hugs, and making sure everyone knew they mattered.

He is survived by his wife of 16 years, Susan (Stumm) Olness of Dodge Center; his sister, Sheryl Parsons of Arizona; and the children he proudly claimed as his own through marriage: Margaret “Peggy” (Owen) Netzer, Janice Hawkins, Niki (Jerad) Schmoll, and Alex Saverino.

He was a proud grandfather to Megan (Jacob) Gochnauer, Mason Hawkins, Mary Jean Hawkins, William Netzer, Mara Netzer, Aydien Saverino, Chase Saverino, Ryker Saverino, Liam Olive, Seamus Olive, and Macy Schmoll. Ron also earned the prestigious title of great-grandpa to Ryder Gochnauer, Gracie Gochnauer, and another little one arriving this fall. He is also survived by his nephew Jaret (Jennifer) McDonald; niece Hallie Bradford and her children, Zachary and Isla.

Ron was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Marjean Braun; brother-in-law Will Parsons, and his best friends, Richard Schuette and Tom Scripture.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, June 20, 2026, at the Dodge Center United Methodist Church, with visitation beginning at 12:00 p.m. and the service at 1:00 p.m. Following the service, family and friends are invited to continue sharing memories at the Dodge Center American Legion from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. In true Ron fashion, everyone is encouraged to drive their favorite “toys,” hot rods, motorcycles, classics, tractors, or anything with wheels and personality to the celebration. Memorials to FFA are encouraged if you would like to honor Ron’s legacy monetarily.