Ronald K. Lilienthal

Ronald “Ron” Lilienthal, 92, of Doniphan, NE passed away on October 8, 2024 at Prairie Winds Assisted Living in Doniphan, NE. 

Funeral services will be 10:30 AM on Tuesday, October 15, 2024 at Apfel Funeral Home in Grand Island with Derek Apfel CFC officiating. Burial will follow in the Cedarview Cemetery in Doniphan, NE. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 PM on October 14th at Apfel Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Prairie Winds Assisted Living in Doniphan, NE. 

Ron was born on January 18, 1932 to Harry and Wilma (Hurley) Lilienthal. He grew up on the farm in SW Merrick County. He attended District 17 through the sixth grade and then went on to graduate from Grand Island Senior High with the Class of 1950. He joined the US Air Force in 1950 serving during the Korean War. During his enlistment he was stationed in Japan and Korea, and was honorably discharged from the Air Force in September 1954. 

He married Twila Larson on January 17, 1952 and to this union they had a son, Michael K. Lilienthal. He married Eleanor England on April 9, 1983 and she preceded him in death on July 12, 2007.

Ron learned to fly in Grand Island and Hastings on the GI Bill. He received his commercial, instrument, multi-engine and flight instructor ratings. His first job as an instructor and charter pilot was in North Platte from 1961 to 1962. He moved to Hastings as the flying service owner, Cessna dealer and manager of the Hastings Airport from 1964-1975. Later, from 1978-1996 he operated his aviation business at the Grand Island and York airports. He lived in Mesa, AZ where he was in aircraft sales and flew charters in and out of the Grand Canyon. He was a designated examiner by the Federal Aviation Agency to give check rides and certify private pilots for their licenses. He flew charter trips into 43 states and Canada. He had a 46 year love affair with aviation! 

He was a member of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, American Legion, and Veterans of Foreign Wars. 

He is survived by his son, Michael K. (Suzie) Lilienthal of Ault, CO; brothers, Harry Jr. (Wanda) Lilienthal, and Dennis (Jana) Lilienthal; and many nieces and nephews. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, brothers David, Lyle, and Robert Lilienthal, and sisters Doralene Kamper and Robyn Kamper.