Ron grew up in St. Louis, Missouri, where he went to school and attended St. Lucas United Church of Christ with his family. During that time, he was a member of the Boy Scouts of America and was proud to be an Eagle Scout. He was a 22+ year veteran firefighter and had been with the DeSoto Rural Fire Protection District for the past 18 years. At the time of his death, he was serving as the district lieutenant and fire marshal. Prior to his time at Desoto Rural, he served with North Jefferson County Ambulance District and was a volunteer member of the Hillsboro Fire Protection District.

Ron was passionate about fire prevention and education. He spent many of his years as a firefighter providing fire safety education to area schools and community members.

He was a member of the Firefighters Association of Missouri, the Jefferson County Firefighters and Fire Marshals Associations, the Professional Fire & Fraud Investigators Association, and the Ozark Firefighters Association.

Ron was a very talented carpenter. He had a degree in construction trade and enjoyed helping family and friends with building projects. Ron built the home his father lives in. In his spare time, Ron also enjoyed dirt track racing, camping, fishing, and boating.

Ron is survived by his father, Ronald W. Wehlage Sr., of Redbud, Illinois; two brothers, Kevin, and wife, Catherine Reese, of Arnold, Missouri, and Brian, and wife, Linda Reese, of Redbud, Illinois; several nieces and nephews, numerous other relatives, and many dear friends.