Ronald Gary Ruschmann

Ronald G. Ruschmann was born to Marvin and Dorothy Ruschmann on March 17, 1943 at St. Luke Hospital in Sioux City, Iowa. He was the oldest of three children. Terry of Cherokee, Iowa and Marlis Carter of Norfolk, Nebraska were his brother and sister. Ron graduated from Homer, Nebraska in 1961 after being voted prom king and valedictorian. He attended the University of Nebraska until following his high school sweetheart (JoEllen Larson) to California. He was employed at Hunt Wesson Foods working under quality control for over 40 years. After retiring from Hunt Wesson he took on a part-time job at Home Depot so he could help people with their home projects. He quickly gained the staff’s and customer’s respect for his expertise and eagerness to be helpful. Many customers would show up asking for “Ron from plumbing” to help with their fixit projects. Ron had a passion for soccer and could often be found on the soccer fields, refereeing up to five games on any given Saturday. He also started a referee training program, helping to provide a mentor for many referees, young and old. He married JoEllen Larson on December 27, 1963. They had three children: Laura, Rhonda, and Kevin. After many years of marriage they parted ways. Ron’s path in life was sent in a new direction when he met Debbie Frantom while attending a single parent fellowship (SPF) group at Evangelical Free Church in Fullerton. The two became quick friends, and then started dating. Their first official date was “The Barn Dance”. Ron swept Debbie off of her feet by his positive attitude, easy going personality, smooth dance moves, love for the Lord, and of course his adorable dimples. They dated four years and were married June 6th, 1998. He lovingly took on the role as a super Stepdad to Chris and Melina, Debbie’s two children. His favorite hobbies included: fishing, camping with family, soccer referring, golfing, singing in the choir, helping others when they needed handy work done. He was an avid Nebraska Husker fan and dedicated to serving His Lord and Savior. He will fondly be remembered for being a loving husband, cherished father, faithful friend, hard-working employee, and super soccer referee. After fighting a tough battle with colon cancer, he was called to go fishing with Jesus for eternity on November 3rd, 2012. He is survived by his wife, Debbie Ruschmann, Daughters Laura (Daniel) McCaig, Rhonda (Steve) Rutledge, Melina (Sean) Fabian, Sons, Kevin (Shawna) Ruschmann, & Christopher (Diana) Frantom, Mother, Dorothy Ruschmann, Brother, Terry Ruschmann, Sister, Marlis (Chuck) Carter and Grandchildren, Karli and Tyler Rutledge, Erin McCaig, and Corey and Allyson Ruschmann, with many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Although his family and friends will dearly miss him, we are assured that he is safe in the arms of Jesus and we proclaim loudly. “Well done thou good faithful servant! We love you!!!!”

Tributes

Ronald Gary Ruschmann

March 17, 1943 - November 3, 2012