December 27, 1951 – June 11, 2015
Passed away with his family at his side. Preceded in death by parents, Carl W. and Shirley I. Winther. Survived by siblings Sue (Myron) Walker, Renee Gasson, Rick (Chris) Winther, nephew Richard Winther; nieces Nikki Dunkley, Stacey (Jason) Bryant, Hannah Winther, great niece Michaela Dunkley and great nephew, Connor Bryant; cousin Jetta Skinner.
Graduated from Rummel High School and the University of Nebraska Lincoln with his Masters in Physics. His accomplishments include teaching (professor) at UNL, working with Ames Lab and long-time employee “Web Master” at Krell Institute in Ames, Iowa.
In lieu of flowers donations to Roncalli High School.
A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday June 20, 2015 at Rick & Chris Winther’s home 11311 Grant Cir. Omaha, Neb. between 2 to 6 p.m. Family and friends may view and sign guest book online at roedermortuary.com
“Your actions were always kind,
A generous hand and an active mind,
Anxious to please and loath to offend,
A loving brother and faithful friend.”
I have been keeping your family in my prayers during the last few months and ever since I learned of Ron’s passing. We were fortunate to get to know him during his time in SC with his sister and my brother. He was quiet spoken during our family gatherings and most kind to us all. In particular, I will always remember his “adoption” of my mother and sister. He was always sending them beautiful cards and a monetary gift after he went back to Ames. This kindness meant the world to them, which in turn, meant the world to me. He obviously was a most unusually kind person. His family was there for him during his illness as he was there for others during his life. How wonderful it would be if we all could leave such a fine legacy! Ron will be missed.
I am very sorry to hear of Ron’s passing. I met Ron when we were freshman at UNL. In our junior year we rented a house with several other friends, all with different majors. Ron would say “With all this knowledge, we should adopt a child and see how far behind he would be when he starts school.” Over the years we had lost contact. But, Ron’s insights and knowledge that he shared have been and will be an influence in my life. My thoughts and prayers are with Ron’s family and friends.
We were sorry to hear about Ron’s passing. We rented cars to him many times at U-Save Auto Rental/Quality Motors of Ames to travel to Nebreaska or other places where he could not walk or ride his bicycle. He became one of our favorite customers. He always had a smile and a kind word to say. We finally sold him a car and missed seeing him as much. We hope your memories will help you in this time of loss.
His eyes shone with wisdom, compassion and intelligence. His personality conveyed courage, independence, persistence, and resourcefulness too. His caring, thoughtful actions endeared him to many. This is a farewell to my telephone buddy who is still in my heart.
Ron was a real thoughtful, good person. He sent me gifts for my birthday, Mother’s Day, and Christmas. He was a very intelligent person who always had a kind word or thought for me. I loved him like my own son and he was a very sweet person.
Ron is and will continue to be greatly missed by his many friends – especially those of us at Krell. He was one of the kindest men I have had the privilege to call my friend. His generosity with his skills, time, resources, and all-around goodness have impacted my entire family, and we are better for having had him in our lives. I hope the flowers he planted around the office building will continue to bloom and remind us of his impact on the company and all of our lives for years to come. My condolences to all of the family. He was a wonderful man.
Ron Winther was my friend. We went to Rummel High School together and when we left for college, we roomed at UNL together as freshmen in Schramm Hall. We were both so young then. Time ages us all. I left UNL after my sophomore year, went to Vietnam, and finished after I came back. Ultimately, I left the Midwest for Seattle. Over the years I lost touch with him and that will forever be my loss. I know his family will be feeling his loss. I will remember him as someone who gave me the courage to leave that which was familiar (Omaha) and go to college at Nebraska, a whole 60 miles away, which at the time, seemed a very great distance indeed. It was a defining choice for me. It was the best choice I could possibly have made, and he was helpful to me in making it. Because he chose to be there with me. He shall be missed by all who knew him.
My family would like to send sincere condolences to the Winther family for the loss of your dear loved one. May you find comfort and hope from the bible promise at Isaiah 25:8. Pray constantly, avoid isolation, and lean on God as you cope during this most difficult time.
We are very sad over Ron’s passing and are really praying for your family. My mom, aunt Gayle, and grandparents, Betty and Augie, really cared about him, thought very highly of him and enjoyed his company. He was always kind whenever I got the chance to see him. He frequently called my mom and sent her cards to check in on her, especially after my grandma passed away. It really meant a lot to her. We are sincerely sorry for your loss. Please accept our condolences and deepest sympathies. Love, Julia, Jeff, Augie, Lucia, and Donnie Palzer
Sorry to the family for the loss of Ron, it never is a good time. All of you take care of each other.
Ron has been a wonderful friend since our first days in the “dish room” back at Harper, Schramm, Smith, in 1969-70 school year at UNL! I will greatly miss him, and our always stimulating and far ranging telephone and in-person chats over the many years of our friendship. I have always admired your love and care for each member of your family, in each generation, as well as for your friends and work colleagues. Most of all, I have treasured your friendship, Ron. Many blessings were given by and are with you.
Philip and I knew Ron back when we attended college at UNL in the early ’80s. He had been a friend of my sister’s (Linda Ohri) since their undergraduate days at UNL. She connected us with Ron and it worked out well for Philip, an engineering major, as Ron was a great help with some computer programming coursework that he had.
Ron had a wealth of knowledge which he was more than willing to share. Even though things always came much easier to him, he was patient and helpful when needed. We greatly admired his intelligence, appreciated his kindness and enjoyed his company.
You have our condolences for your loss.
Rest in peace Ron.
I used to work at Krell and think of Ron often; last month I drove by Krell just to make sure his beautiful plants were still filling the office windows, and they were. He liked to work outside the Krell office, planting bulbs on the hillside by our parking lot and making the outside beautiful. He told me once that those pretty touches would be part of his legacy when he was gone. But the biggest part of his legacy was how much he cared for people. He completed more unsung good deeds than anyone I have known. He made my days at Krell even happier than they were. He loved his family and seeking out his family roots. He shared his life with me, and I loved him for it. We are fortunate to have been touched by his goodness.
So sorry to hear of Ron’s passing. He was a quiet kind friend from college days. I am sure he will be missed by many!
I am very sorry to learn of Ron’s death. He was a valued colleague who often amazed me with his breadth of knowledge and his tireless work. He was devoted to his family, his friends, and his community. He will be missed by many.