Ronald Bennie Kortsen

Ronald Bennie Kortsen, 67, passed away at home with his family by his side after a courageous battle with lung cancer. He was born in Casa Grande on July 31, 1947. He was raised on his family’s farm and was a third generation farmer. He attended Casa Grande Union High School
where he played football, baseball, attended Boys State and was very active in the FFA. After
graduation he attended NAU where he pledged Sigma Pi Fraternity. Ron joined the Army and had a tour in Vietnam as a gunner on a helicopter. Upon his return he was sent to Van Nuys, California where he worked on the Cheyenne helicopter. In June 1969 he married his high school sweetheart, Vikki Earley. They moved to the Yuma Proving Grounds where he finished his service. They returned to Casa Grande in 1972 where he would join Erwin, Erwin and
Lamar Insurance Company. In 1973 they welcomed their first daughter, Kortney Leigh, and in 1976 Kacy Lane was born. In 1976 he began farming for his mother-in-law in Toltec and then in
Stanfield with his father. In 2001 he brought his son-in-law, Rene Verdusco, on as a partner of Cheyenne Farming Company. Ron was a strong-willed, hard-working man. When he gave his word that was all you needed, no contract necessary. Ron sat on the board of directors for the Maricopa Stanfield Irrigation and Drainage District from 1991-2000, he was on the Pinal County ASCS Committee for nine years, a past member of the Maricopa Rotary, and he earned an honorary Chapter FFA Degree. Ron was very active with the Pinal County 4H Livestock Auction and helped many youth.
Ron enjoyed fishing, spending time with his family and buying lunch for the back table at McMashers. Everyone at that table knew not to argue with Ron when it came time to pay the check. In 1995 Kutter, the first of Ron’s three grandchildren, was born. Aleigh was born in 2003, and Kolt in 2012. Ron loved his wife and children more than anything in the world, but he held an extra special place in his heart for his grandchildren and he was their hero.
Ron is survived by his wife of 45 years, Vikki; two daughters, Kortney (Rene) of Casa Grande and Kacy of Phoenix. His mother, Jo Ann, of Show Low; a brother, Kort, of Show Low; a sister, Marsha Polete of Litchfield Park; and three grandchildren, Kutter, Aleigh and Kolt Verdusco. Ron was preceded in death by his father Ben and niece Shauna Ann.
In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to the John Hemmings Foundation at The Foothills Bank in Casa Grande in honor of Ron Kortsen.
His celebration of life will be held on Saturday, December 6 at 10:00 A.M. at the First Assembly of God Church, 501 E. Kortsen Rd., Casa Grande, AZ.
J. Warren Funeral Services Cole & Maud The Gardens Chapel is in charge of arrangements.