Ronald Lee Koebcke

Ronald Lee Koebcke, 75, of Rensselaer, IN passed away Tuesday evening, Jan. 30, 2024 at the Indiana Veterans’ Home in West Lafayette. He was born in Lafayette, IN on May 21, 1948, the son of Richard Lee Koebcke and Wilma A. (Meyer) Koebcke. He was a 1966 graduate of Rensselaer High School. He served in the U.S. Army in the elite 75th Ranger Regiment during the Vietnam War, participating in 18 special ops missions to Cambodia.

On Jan. 13, 1973, at St. Augustine Catholic Church in Rensselaer, he married Rita J. Bilyeu. Ron was a lifelong farmer. He loved visiting with friends over coffee at Trail Tree and Janet’s Kitchen. When his children were younger, he enjoyed helping them with 4-H Horse & Pony.

He is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Rita Koebcke; three children: Chad Koebcke of Indianapolis, IN, Lauren Koebcke of Austin, TX and Brett (Ashley) Koebcke of Chicago, IL; three grandchildren: Olivia, Amelia and Daphne; three brothers: Larry (Judy) Koebcke, James (Dora) Koebcke, and Doug Koebcke (Shannon), all of Rensselaer; and one sister, Diane Burman (Brian Cornell) of Rensselaer. Several nieces and nephews also survive.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Steve Koebcke.

Visitation will be Friday, Feb. 9, 2024 from 8:30 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. CST at Steinke Funeral Home of Rensselaer. A funeral Mass will be held on Friday, Feb. 9, 2024 at 11 a.m. CST at St. Augustine Catholic Church. Father Timothy Alkire officiating. Burial with military honors will follow at Memory Gardens Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project or the Alzheimer’s Association.

Steinke Funeral Home is honored to be handling the arrangements. Memories, condolences and photos may be shared with the Koebcke family at www.SteinkeFuneralHome.com.