Ronald L. Fiegel

Ronald “Ron” Fiegel 

August 23, 1948 – November 18, 2025

Dr. Ronald “Ron” Fiegel, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away surrounded by family and love. He was born on August 23, 1948, in Wichita, Kansas, to Raymond C. and Maxine (Turner) Fiegel, the second youngest of six children.

After graduating from West High School, Ron proudly enlisted in the United States Navy, where he served during the Vietnam War. He retired with distinction as a Lieutenant Commander in the Medical Service Corps. Following his military service, Ron earned his Doctor of Optometry degree from the University of Houston College of Optometry, laying the foundation for a lifelong career of service and care.

Ron devoted 44 years of his life to the field of optometry. He was passionate about advancing the profession, advocating for independent optometrists, and—most importantly—caring for his patients. He considered it an honor to be part of their lives, often serving multiple generations of the same family. Ron served on the Board of the Heart of America Eye Care Congress for five years and was a longtime attendee, always seeking to grow and improve for the benefit of those he served. His practice was known not only for his ability to solve complex cases that others couldn’t, but also for the warmth and camaraderie of his staff—many of whom were family or became like family. He co-founded Vision Care Direct and served as its President and Board Member, further extending his impact on the profession he loved.

Outside of work, Ron cherished time with his family and friends. He was an avid reader, often revisiting his favorite Louis L’Amour novels, and he had a deep love for westerns—especially John Wayne films. His road trips to the mountains often began the night before, filled with scenic detours and spontaneous stops. He found joy in sailing his boat on El Dorado Lake and competing in sailboat races and later in life enjoyed golfing with his nephews and friends.

Though Ron loved being “Dad,” the title he treasured most was “Grandpa.” His grandchildren were his greatest joy, and he embraced every moment with them—jumping in leaves, reading bedtime stories, attending volleyball games, and cheering from the bleachers at ball fields. He was the heart of family gatherings, often at the center of a friendly poker game that could last for hours. With a twinkle in his eye and an ornery grin, he always had a dad joke ready—delivered with such confidence that you couldn’t help but laugh. He had a way of making you believe he knew everything, simply by how sure he sounded.

Whether you knew him as Ron, Dr. Fiegel, Uncle Ronnie, Dad, or Grandpa, you were undoubtedly touched by his wisdom, empathy, and humor. His presence enriched our lives, and we are all better for having known him.

Ron is survived by his loving wife, Judy (Hiegert) Fiegel; daughters Melissa (Derick) Jones and Jennifer Fiegel; son Chris Fiegel; sisters Pat (Fiegel) Brown, Vickie (Fiegel) Davis, and Deanna (Fiegel) Reif; brothers Raymond D. (Linda) Fiegel and Terry (Patricia) Fiegel; and grandchildren Taylor and Gavin Jones, all of Wichita. He is also survived by numerous extended family members and dear friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond C. and Maxine (Turner) Fiegel; brothers-in-law Carl Brown, Bill Davis and Earl Reif, as well as various aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

A Rosary will be held on Sunday evening, November 23, 2025,at 7:00 pm, and funeral services will follow on Monday, November 24, 2025, at 10:30 am, both at St. Catherine of Siena, 3642 N. Ridge Rd, Wichita, KS.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to St. Catherine of Siena Parish or the Kansas Optometric Association in Ron’s memory. Share condolences at www.cozine.com. Services by Cozine Memorial Group-Cozine Life Events Center.