Ronald Fredrick “Ron” Minchow was born Oct. 1, 1944, in Lincoln, to Ardell and Lorene (Pyle) Minchow and passed away April 9, 2024, at his home near Pleasant Dale at the age of 79 years.
Ron grew up on the family farm near Pleasant Dale where he graduated from Milford High School with the Class of 1962. Upon graduating Southeast Community College in Milford two years later, Ron began an extensive career with IBM. That same year, on Febr. 14, 1964, he married his high school sweetheart, Susan Wilsey, on Valentine’s Day.
The couple moved to Endicott, New York, for two years, where he received his IBM training. They moved back to Lincoln, where he continued to work for IBM, retiring after 30 years. Excited for a new chapter, Ron purchased Ackerman Rock and Gravel Company for five years before selling. Ron was a consultant for MSI Systems Integrators, Inc., where he also served as their CFO before moving into retirement.
His lifelong commitment to service was evident through Ron’s involvement with organizations including Junior Achievement and CASA. He also dedicated a year to volunteer with the Nature Conservancy during a sabbatical from IBM and served as a respected Seward County Commissioner from 2001 to 2007.
Upon embarking into retirement, Ron looked forward to exploring the world. He and Susan enjoyed travels to Scotland, Ireland, Italy, Greece, Australia and a life-changing trip to Africa. Ron found peace at home, tending to the land and fishing in his pond. A farm boy at heart, he and Susan created a new home on an acreage back near Pleasant Dale decades earlier. He took pride in his annual vegetable garden, and his family enjoyed the fruits of his labor.
Ron’s heart overflowed with love for his family, especially his cherished grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who brought him immeasurable pride and joy. In his passing, Ron leaves behind a legacy of adventure, service and boundless love that will be fondly remembered by his family, friends and neighbors.
He was preceded in death by his parents; infant granddaughter, Sidney Minchow; two sisters and brothers-in-law, Jeanette and husband, Keith Bottrell, and Doris and husband, Bob Lukow.
Survivors cherishing his memory include his wife, Susan Minchow, Pleasant Dale; four children, Lori and husband, Keith Bornholtz, Mount Juliet, Tennessee, Lisa Minchow, Lincoln, Todd and wife, Laura Minchow, Lincoln, and Matt and wife, Lyndsey Minchow, Lincoln; 11 grandchildren, Zach and Dillon Bornholtz, Tyler and wife, Marie, Justin, Kyle, Cecilia, Simon, Owen, Isaac, Logan and Melanie Minchow; three great-grandchildren, Ruby, George and Thea Minchow; two brothers and sisters-in-law, Dean and wife, Charlene Minchow, Pleasant Dale, and Alan and wife, Mary Minchow, Milford; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of friends.
A memorial service was April 15 at St. John Lutheran Church in Seward. Memorial contributions are suggested to the Pleasant Dale Volunteer Fire Dept. Arrangements by Zabka-Perdue Funeral Home.
