Ronald S. Oellig was born on May 26, 1954, the first son of Richard and Margaret Oellig. His parents were dairy farmers in the Grantville area at that time. As a result he was introduced to the farming operation at an early age. He often shared his fond memories as a youth of showing cattle at the Farm Show Building in Harrisburg or the events in Lower Dauphin’s Ag classes.
In the early 1980’s Ron became an owner-operator, hauling loads along the upper eastern coast with his much loved 1973 Kenworth tractor and either a flatbed trailer or a dump trailer. During his years as a truck driver he worked for several area companies. It always made him smile when someone would ask about his truck and the Cat 1693 motor. He would say “it purrs like a kitten.”
Over the years the farming operation transitioned into grain farming. But his love of farming never stopped. He continued to help his brother Keith at Oel-Del Farms whenever he could – on his days off, in the afternoons after trucking, and on Saturdays. His favorite farm equipment were John Deere.
Ron was a Christian man, a wonderful father, husband, and friend to all. He enjoyed talking with people, no matter what nationality or walk of life. His family will certainly attest to the fact that if you got into a conversation with Ron on farming, he would be telling you the importance of farming and all that it entails. During his relaxed moments he enjoyed watching news or sports on t.v. Conversations involving politics were usually fairly lengthy.
He was one of a kind!