Ronald "Huck" Zalman

Ronald “Huck” D. Zalman, age 76, passed away peacefully with his girls at his side, in Red Cloud, Nebraska, on Saturday, August 29, 2026.

Huck was born on December 18, 1949, in Red Cloud, Nebraska to Glen Leroy and Hazel Marie (Miksch) Zalman. Growing up, he spent a lot of time on Crooked Creek behind his childhood home, where he probably started his hunting career. He raised wild animals for pets, was a Mahpiya Luta Indian Dancer with his brother, and played baseball and football. He graduated from Red Cloud High School in 1968. He went on to continue his education at Central Community College in Hastings where he studied auto mechanics.

In 1969, Huck was united in marriage to Sheryl Bencken. The couple was blessed with two daughters who were his world; Teresa and Tonja. The couple later divorced.

Following his education, he worked for Chevrolet dealerships in York, NE (Nelson’s) and Lincoln, NE (DuTeau). His knowledge of automobiles and addiction to horsepower naturally went hand in hand with his lifelong love of racing. A fun memory was delivering the engine for the legendary Late Model “8 Ball” that raced at the Speed Bowl. As a jack of all trades, Huck spent his years in Red Cloud as a mechanic at Zimmerman’s Shop, driving a school bus, and as a butcher at Yost Pack. He then spent 32 years working for the State of Nebraska Road Department, retiring in 2012.

Huck was an extremely hard worker who enjoyed the outdoors and was never one to shy away from an adventure. He loved Jeep crawling, racing, raising dogs, hunting and you might even catch him with a fishing pole. He was a serious gun collector and always had a special spot for an old Winchester. As an avid reader, he shared a treasured Louis L’Amour collection with his mom. Huck must have known every western that was ever made. He was a lover of music and always commented that it was the one true universal language.

Those who knew Huck will remember him for his wit, ornery spirit, incredibly dry sense of humor, and his unforgettable one-liners. He never met a stranger. He had a gruff exterior, but beneath it was a soft heart. He leaves behind a lifetime of stories, laughter, adventures, and memories that will be cherished by all who knew him.

Above all, Huck treasured his family. The pride and love he felt for his girls and grandkids was unmatched. He is survived by his daughters, Teresa (Pat) Long of Red Cloud, NE, Tonja Woods (Guy Morrow) of Laramie, WY; grandchildren, Dalton Long (Kara Christensen), Morgan (Jeff) Ware, Alexis Woods, Quentin Woods; great-grandchildren, Braxtynn Shaw, Ryddyk Shaw, Rosalynn Shaw; and niece and nephew, Randa Zalman (Jim Svoboda) and Matthew (Aleia) Zalman.

He was preceded in death by his parents and twin brother, Randall Zalman.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, September 19, 2026 at Williams & Kuehn Funeral Home in Red Cloud at 10:30AM. Book signing will be on Friday, September 18, 2026 open from 9AM until 6PM with Family Receiving Friends from 5PM to 6PM.

Memorials are designated to the Ronald Zalman Memorial Fund for the family to designate at a later time and may be sent in care of Williams & Kuehn Funeral Home, 241 West 4th Ave., Red Cloud, NE 68970. Online condolences can be left on Huck’s memorial page at www.wkfuneralhomes.com.