R .L. "Ronnie" Wohleking

R.L. “Ronnie” Wohleking September 29, 1928 – March 21, 2011 On Monday, March 21, 2011, Ronnie Wohleking, a long time resident of Socorro, Texas passed away. Ronnie was born September 29, 1928 in Alexandria Virginia, to George and Edna Wohleking. Ronnie moved with his parents and sister to New York City where he remained until the age of fifteen, when he moved to upstate New York and worked on a farm for $1.00 a day, room and board. Ronnie joined the U.S. Army in 1948 and was stationed at Fort Bliss, Texas, where he received his training as an automotive mechanic. In 1951, Ronnie became the new owner of Farmers Service Station, later to become Ronnie’s Service Station, located at the corner of Moon road and Alameda. For sixty years, Ronnie served the community of Socorro by providing automotive services, automobile parts, cashing payroll and extending credit to many people in the neighborhood. Ronnie was a faithful servant of Jesus Christ, serving the Lord with his cherished church family at 1st Baptist Church in Clint Texas, and passing out Bibles to anyone wanting one as he enjoyed his membership as a Gideon. Ronnie was a firm believer in hard work, long hours and living a modest lifestyle. Ronnie was a good friend to the citizens of Socorro and was called an icon by many in the community. Ronnie was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Edna “Toots” Deodato, and his first born son, Michael George Wohleking. Ronnie is survived by his sons, Ronald Roy and wife Rhonda of Veneta OR, Douglas Paul and wife Lucy of Hobbs NM, John Mark and wife Mitzi of Midland TX, Ken George and wife Tatiana of Austin TX, Edward Burt of Phoenix AZ, daughter Violeta of Socorro TX, daughter-in-law Susan of El Paso TX, and 13 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren. Visitation will be held on Thursday, March 24th from 5:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. at Sunset Funeral Home at 9521 North Loop Rd. Funeral services will be held 10:00 a.m. Friday, March 25th at 1st Baptist Church in Clint Texas, with Reverend Gayle Hogg officiating. Pallbearers will be Ronnie’s sons and close family friend Hector Sanchez. Honorary pallbearers are the Sanchez Family, the Hilley Family and the “Old Goats” past and present. Services entrusted to Sunset Funeral Homes-Americas.