As he perches in his blind, waiting for his trophy to pass by, the hunter realizes it has already arrived. Not in the form of a ten-point buck or a long bearded turkey, but in peace of knowing a life has not only been lived… but lived well. Ronald Glenn Sturgeon, 82, took his final hunting adventure on January 2, 2023. The hunter found his trophy in the loving arms of our Savior. A peaceful end to a beautiful life.
Ron was born to Glenn (Bud) and Wilma Sturgeon on August 20, 1940. He was raised in the small community of Madison, KS along with his sister, Renell, and a brother, Raymond. Ron grew up loving the out-of-doors and spent much of his childhood hunting with his father and brother. This was a passion that followed him throughout his entire life. Ron was also quite an athlete and an academic. These two traits would lay the foundation for his life as a coach and educator.
After graduating from Madison High School, Ron attended Emporia State Teacher’s College where he obtained his bachelor’s degree and pursued a high school mathematics teaching position in Osborne, KS. It was in this community that he began his career as a teacher and coach, and 33 years later retired as principal. He earned his master’s degree at Fort Hays State University in 1972 and his administrative Specialists Certification in 1982. Ron was all about education and loved finding unique ways to share his passion for learning with his students. Nothing brought him greater joy in his later years than to have former students stop in for a visit or to hear a simple “Thank You, Mr. Sturgeon.” Being an educator was truly his calling.
Ron married Judy Wilson, the love of his life, on February 19, 1961. To this union a son Ronald E., and a daughter, Julie A., were born. Of all the accomplishments in Ron’s life, he and Judy took the most pride in their children. They centered their whole world around raising these two.
In 1970, Ron and Judy took on an adventure that would forever change their lives. It was during this time that the small family loaded up in their soft-topped jeep and made their way to a little ghost town in Colorado called TinCup. Ron worked in a sawmill, while Judy cared for their children in a two-room cabin with cold running water, a small gas stove, and an outhouse. One might say they were crazy, but others…. they thought, “WHAT AN ADVENTURE!” Ron worked in that sawmill several summers, gradually earning enough money to buy some land (needless to say on top of a mountain) and built his own cabin. Fifty-two years later, the home he created on that mountain, is still enjoyed by his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. What a legacy he passed on for generations to come! Ron was truly one-of-a-kind. The hunter has made his final quest and his reward has been bountiful. God has called this great man home… a man who can truly say, “I did it my way!”
Ron is survived by his wife Judy of Osborne, KS, his son Ron (Cheryl) Sturgeon also from Osborne, KS, his daughter Julie (Jeff) Hackerott of Madison, NE, Grandchildren include Ryan (Kachel) Sturgeon of Osborne, KS, Jordyn (Tanner) Oliver of Kensington, KS, Kamara Hackerott of Norfolk, NE, Kaili (Corbin) Eisenmenger of Lincoln, NE, Kaden Hackerott of Columbus, NE, Kegan Hackerott of Madison, NE. His great-grandchildren include Kalana, Keaton, Rylan, and Ryker (Ryan), Parker and Kainon (Jordyn), Aubree, Everly, and Liam (Kami), and Dominic and Decker (Kaili). Other survivors include his sister Renell (Gale) Schroeder of Madison, KS, his sister in laws Sharon Nurnberg of Topeka and Nancy (Bob) Pendleton of Centennial, CO and various nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, and a great grandson.
Ron will be laid to rest “High on that mountain” in Colorado.
Click HERE for service details.