Ronald 'Les' Leslie Goerdel

Ronald Leslie Goerdel, 84, of Thorndale, died peacefully in his sleep in the early morning hours of Saturday, May 3, 2025 at the SPJST Skilled Nursing Home in Taylor, Texas.

Ronald “Les” was born April 23, 1941, to Edmund and Inez (Swindle) Goerdel in San Angelo, Texas. Les was baptized in Zion Lutheran Church, Priddy, Texas and was later confirmed at the same church on June 26, 1955. Les married Barbara Ann (Pope) on February 18, 1962. Their marriage was blessed with three children; Leslie Ann (Goerdel) Zuehlke, Karen Denice Goerdel, and Brent Lee Goerdel. Les and Barbara lived in and around the Houston area until they moved their young family to Thorndale in December 1972.

Les did many things in his life. As the only boy of 4 children, he worked hard on the family farm. Shortly after his tenure at Pottsville High School he began his life’s journey doing everything from building bridges alongside his father, to helping construct Six Flags – Arlington, to likely being the only person from Pottsville, Texas that has ever worked for NASA – Houston and finally taking a maintenance job at Alcoa – Rockdale, where he tirelessly worked mostly at the atomizer plant until his retirement in 2003. Les was a proud member of the Thorndale Volunteer Fire Department from 1975 to 1996, where he made many fire and ambulatory calls. Les was also a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church and served on the Board of Trustees. He oversaw the building of the church school’s first basketball court among other projects. In his leisure he enjoyed being outdoors hunting or fishing. He loved working with his hands; building, repairing, or creating something from his imagination, be it mechanical or art. He loved to dance, and loved his family, rarely missing a family reunion.

He was preceded in death by his wife Barbara Ann (Pope) Goerdel, infant daughter Karen Denice Goerdel, his father Edmund and mother Inez Goerdel, sisters Brenda Lucas and Lois Collins, and daughter Leslie Ann Zuehlke.

Les is survived by his sister, Carol Jones and husband Jeff of Lamkin; son, Brent Goerdel and wife Gina of Leander; three grandsons, Steven Zuehlke and wife Bryn with great-grandsons Caden, Ty, and Jace of Thorndale; Kevin Zuehlke and wife Alecia with great-granddaughters Riley and Emily Ann of Thorndale; and Steven Schuchardt and wife Amanda with great-granddaughters Paisley and Cheyenne of Belton; Uncle-in-law and good friend Frankie Joe Stigall; along with many other relatives, friends and good neighbors.

Pallbearers are Kelly Collins, Eldon Gregory, Brandon Jones, Brian Jones, Steven Schuchardt, Kevin Zuehlke, and Steven Zuehlke.

Honorary Pallbearers will be members of the Thorndale Volunteer Fire Department.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the St. Paul Lutheran Church – Thorndale “Build the Vision” Fund or to the Thorndale Volunteer Fire Department.