Ron passed away on Thursday, April 20, 2023 at the age of 78 in Jacksonville, Florida. Loving husband of Carolyn for nearly 53 years, devoted father of Cheryl (Jason) Jaggie and Lisa (Jim) Neuwirth, cherished grandfather of Catherine and Lauren Jaggie, Charles, Jonathan and Annika Neuwirth and great-grandfather of Ellie Jaggie, dear brother of Judy McGrath, dear son-in-law, brother-in-law, uncle, cousin and friend to many.
He was born to Peter and Louise Zdellar in St. Louis, MO. He attended Southwest High School, honorably served his country in the United States Army, earned a B.S. in Electrical Engineering and M.B.A. from Washington University in St. Louis, MO. Ron worked for Ameren (UE) for nearly 40 years, where he served in multiple executive leadership rolls ending in Vice President of Energy Delivery. He was a leader, committed to safety and made a difference in the lives of employees, their families and the community. He was open-minded, brought a willingness to listen and was committed to developing partnerships built on trust. During those years, he held leadership roles and participated in numerous charity events and civic activities such as the United Way, World Bird Sanctuary, Downtown St. Louis and was co-chairman of Christmas In St. Louis.
Ron brought energy, determination, logic and enthusiasm to all of his endeavors. He loved God, his family, country, friends, sunshine and the game of golf. All of which, he thoroughly enjoyed during his retirement. He was our leader, provider and advisor. He will be deeply missed. Our family is thankful for the surgeons and healthcare teams at Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida for sharing their expertise with Ron.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to:
- World Bird Sanctuary https://www.worldbirdsanctuary.org/
- Mayo Clinic https://philanthropy.mayoclinic.org/donateMC
- SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Foundation https://www.glennon.org/
Visitation: Monday, May 15th 4:00 pm-8:00 pm at Kutis Funeral Home – South County Chapel, 5255 Lemay Ferry Rd.
Funeral service: Tuesday, May 16th 11:30 am at Kutis Funeral Home – South County Chapel, 12:30 pm Interment at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery
We are so sad to hear this. Ron was always so nice and sincere. Please know you will be in our thoughts and prayers.
I knew Ron as an engineer to VP and he was the same kind friendly co-worker regardless of his position. Praying for his family
I am so sorry for your loss
Ron RIP Condolences to the family.
I reported to Ron during my last 2 years with Ameren. Great boss.
Later, in retirement, I joined a group of golfers that included Ron. Thoroughly enjoyed our association on the golf course these past years. Very sad to hear of his passing. My sympathies to all family members.
A great man. Always a gentleman to speak to and work with. You are missed Ron.
Great man and great role model at Ameren. My condolences to the family. RIP Ron.
So sorry to hear of Ron’s passing. I worked with him at Ameren. He was a great leader. Condolences to the family.
Ron was.true gentleman in every sense of the word. Worked under Ron for many of his 40 years. Always approachable, always listening and always kind. A very just man. May God grant him peace.
Ron was my leader for the vast majority of my 38 years at Ameren. Like his obit aptly states, he was always fair and uniquely willing to listen to any opinion that was out there, all out of a sheer determination to do what was right in the end. He did not like losing a round of golf, and mercifully, I was no threat to him. Ron, we’ll catch you on the flip side.
Like many others worked under Ron for many years. I always enjoyed seeing him and Carolyn come out for the fish fries at the Knights of Columbus in Washington. He knew I did a lot of volunteering for them, but I think it was the bargain prices and great fish served. I could always talk to him, he had a great sense of moral standards and stood up for them. He will be greatly missed. My condolences to the family.
I am so sorry for your loss. Mr. Zdellar was one of the good guys. A class act. He made the world a better place. I am honored to have known him.
Ron was a great leader and his actions spoke even louder than his words. Ron was able to bridge many gaps between the union and the company which we are all still benefiting from today. I appreciate Ron coming in from the to time to the Trouble assembly room just to have a cup of coffee with us and ask us about our family’s. He was genuine in the truest sense and I appreciate that above all.
Ron was a super guy everyone respected him as a supervisor. More importantly he was respected as a man. I had numerous conversations he was always good to talk with. He also had a great sense of humor!!
Our condolences to Carol and the entire family. I was fortunate at UE/Ameren to personally experience many of Ron’s great qualities as described in the obituary. I especially appreciated his coaching, support and teamwork to pursue opportunities and turn them into accomplishments–with plenty of trust, listening and humor along the way. You are all in our prayers.
I worked with Ron, he always understood what our job was and was always willing to listen and work to make things better. He was definitely one of the good ones. My prayers and deepest sympathy to you and your family.
I am very sorry to learn of the passing of Mr. Zdellar. I will never forget his kindness of providing to me a listening ear, follow up and resolved of an issue that I was facing; he was very approachable and genuine!
I extend my heartfelt condolences to the entire Zdellar family!
So sorry to hear of Ron’s passing. He was always one of the good guys.Heartfelt condolences to the Zdellar family.
Rest in Peace Uncle Ronnie!! You’ve always been a bright and warm part of the family, with the best sideways grin and dry sense of humor. We’ll miss you very much.
I worked with Ron for many years. He was a natural leader and so down to earth. Always fair and he listened sincerely. Rest in Peace Ron.
Our thoughts and prayers to Carolyn and your family.
Gary & Carol Patrick