Ronald Eugene Eberspacher was born Oct. 25, 1935, in Seward, to Arthur and Lillian (Vogt) Eberspacher, the second of four sons. He died at his home in Milford, on Tuesday, March 29, 2022, at the age of 86 surrounded by his loved ones.
He attended Star Country School, graduated from Milford High School in 1953, then attended the University of Nebraska Ag College. Ron was a skilled bricklayer and worked for Walt Hemsath as a mason. Ron went on to teach at Southeast Community College for 24 years in the Building Construction Department, where he received the Outstanding Teacher Award in 1984. Ron knew patience was the key to teaching his students and he liked hearing about their accomplishments.
Ronald was married to Marilyn Jantze on Aug. 15, 1958, and they were blessed with two daughters, Deborah and Lisa. Ron was a faithful and active member of the Salem United Methodist Church in rural Seward, until its closure in 2010, and then became a member of the Beth-El Community Church in Milford.
Ron enjoyed planning the routes for taking the family on many vacations. His travels included visiting all 50 states and their Capitols. The highlight was his trip with Marilyn to the Holy Land. Golf, reading and spending time outdoors were among his pastimes. He loved building projects for his family and friends and volunteering his time in community service. But, his greatest joy of all was spending time with his family and helping raise his grandkids and great-grandkids. A strong desire was to have his family realize their need of salvation.
Survivors include Marilyn, his wife of 63 years; daughters and spouses, Deborah and Billy Snell, Seward, Lisa and Mike Cookus, Milford; four grandchildren, Peyton and Courtney Cookus, Seward, Jillian and Brett Stutzman, Milford, Gina Cookus and fiancé, Ryan Matthiessen, Lincoln, and Dylan Cookus, Seward; seven great-grandchildren, Koen and Kade Cookus, Jaycie, Tye and Ava Stutzman, Remy and Greta Matthiessen. Other survivors include his brother, Steve and Linda Eberspacher, Seward; sisters-in-law, Dorothy Eberspacher, Lincoln, Coral Eberspacher, Milford; brothers-in-law, Larry and June Jantze, Ellendale, North Dakota, Maurice Jantze, Milford, Joe and Mary Jantze, Normal, Illinois; and sister-in-law, Sherry and Ken Fougeron.
He was preceded in death by his father and mother, Arthur and Lillian Eberspacher; brothers, Charles Eberspacher and David Eberspacher; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Lee and Lola Jantze; brother-in-law, Jackie Lee Jantze; sister-in-law, Alberta Jantze; and many relatives and friends.
The funeral service was April 4 at Beth-El Community Church with interment at the Salem United Methodist Church Cemetery near Seward. Memorial contributions are suggested to HoriSun Hospice, Beth-El Community Church or the donor's choice. Condolences may be left for the family online at www.zabkafuneralhome.com.
