Ronald Lee Abts

Ron Abts

July 21, 1935 – January 17, 2020

Ronald Lee Abts died January 17, 2020, age 84. Born in Humphrey, Nebraska, Ron was the first of four sons of Dr. Arthur W. Abts and Frances E. Abts (Rienhart). Preceded in death by his parents, Ron is survived by three brothers: Arthur W. “Bill” (Mary Kay) Abts, Jr., Omaha; Gerald  L. “Jerry”  (Maryann) Abts, Colorado; and James T. “Jim” (Lynn) Abts, Massachusetts.

Disabled by an illness at the age of fourteen months, Ron was cared for throughout his life by loving parents, his sibling brothers, sisters-in-law, many nieces and nephews and other family members. Never without family support, Ron lived comfortably for the last twenty-five years in assisted living, first at Newcastle Retirement Center in Omaha and for the last three years at Hillcrest Country Estates in Papillion.

Ron enjoyed the company of young children and for 36 years, from 1957 through 1993, he had the privilege of serving as a cafeteria assistant at the Christ the King Parish Grade-School Cafeteria in Omaha. Always an accomplished bowler, Ron also enjoyed fishing and hunting with family and learned to Ski when he was forty. Ron was able to travel with family to favorite vacation sites and maintained a unique appreciation for moving trains, mountain scenery, majestic downtown skylines and ocean beaches.

Always polite and pleasant, Ron always had an infectious smile and enjoyed meeting people. His special needs were never a burden to his family, and he delivered a positive influence on all who knew him.

Celebration of Life Service: West Center Chapel, 10:30 am, Tuesday, January 21, 2020. Interment at Calvary Cemetery. Memorials to Hillcrest Hospice, 1820 Hillcrest Drive, Bellevue, NE 68005 and to World Herald Goodfellows.