Ronald Dean Beelaert

Ronald Dean Beelaert, 81, passed away May 13, 2025.

Ron was born November 4, 1943 in Idaho Falls to Evo Henry and Alice Johnson Beelaert. He attended schools in New Sweden and Firth graduating from Firth High School in 1962.

He was drafted and served in the U.S. Army. He served his country during the Vietnam War in the 9th Infantry Division in the Mekong Delta region.

Ron married Brenda May Ockerman on April 25, 1964 in Idaho Falls. They were blessed with two daughters, Jennifer and Janaye.

He farmed in Firth raising Hereford cattle at Cranes Flat during the summer. He was a 4-H leader for the Firth Busy Beefers for 10 plus years. He loved attending rodeos weather it was the NFR or local rodeos.

He worked 33 years for Argonne National Laboratory (ANL).

Family was his pride and joy. He was always taking care of his children and grandchildren. He loved watching his grandchildren compete in volleyball, basketball, softball, and swimming.

He enjoyed fishing, woodworking, and he could fix anything with “Charlie Wire.”

Ron is survived by his wife, Brenda Beelaert of Island Park; daughters, Jennifer (Kellis) Smith of Rigby; Janaye (Bryan) Sanders of Firth; grandchildren, Ashley Sanders of Dallas, Texas; Stetson Smith of Rigby; and Cheyenne Smith of Rigby.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister and brother-in-law, Nancy and Sanford Wagner; step brother and step sister-in-law, Glen and June Elder.

The family would like to thank the staff at the Gables in Blackfoot, Pat, Corrina, and Dawn and East Idaho Hospice for all their loving care.

Private family services with military rites will be held at a later date.

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