Ronald “Ron” Carl Gade, of Seward, was born Sept. 6, 1938, in Seward, to Carl August and Ruth Eleanor (Ricenbaw) Gade. Ron was a lifetime member of St. John Lutheran Church in Seward and attended Seward High School, graduating in 1956. On June 22, 1961, Ron was united in marriage to Sharon Rae Hackbart at St. John Lutheran Church in Cordova.
Ron was a farmer and cattleman his entire life, running his farm up to his final days. He was a true servant to the community of Seward, serving as a member of the Seward County Ag Society for 55 years, being especially proud of his work at the Seward County Fairgrounds. He served as Seward County Fair Board President from 1980 until 2015 and remained on the board until his death. In 2016, he was named Fair Person of the Year by the Nebraska Association of Fair Managers. In 2004, he was selected for the Seward County Hall of Agricultural Achievement for his dedication to agriculture in Seward County. He was a member of the Seward County 4-H Foundation, serving as chairman since 2005 and was a member of Nebraska Cattlemen with 26+ years of dedicated service on the Nebraska Cattlemen Beef Pit Committee. In 2010, he was selected as the Nebraska State Fair Grand Marshall.
After recent health issues, Ron wished to be at home and passed away peacefully on March 18, 2021, at the age of 82 years. He was surrounded by family and friends in his final weeks and days. Ron was well respected by many and will be sorely missed.
He is survived by his wife, Sharon Gade, Seward; sister, Barbara Fortner, Austin, Texas; nephew, Mike (Lori) Winkelmann, Austin, Texas, children, Grant (Carrington), Garrett, Brayton, Koby and Keaton, nephew, Tim (Michelle) Winkelmann, Seward, children, Max and Faith; cousins, Steve Austin, Charlie Austin, Doug Austin, Jim Austin and Dan Austin; dedicated farm hands, Alan Brose (Christine), children, Brian, Lisa and Justin, Aaron Beckler (Maggie), daughter Allie. Ron was preceded in death by his father, Carl August Gade; his mother, Ruth Eleanor Gade; sister, Carol Jean Gade; brothers-in-law, Dennis Winkelmann and Ken Fortner.
A funeral service was March 23 at St. John Lutheran Church with committal at the Seward Cemetery. Memorial contributions are suggested to the Seward County 4-H Foundation Scholarship Fund, the Seward County Agricultural Society or the donor's choice. Condolences may be left for the family at www.volzkefuneralhome.com.
