Ronald K. “Goompa” Parsonage
November 12, 1938 – August 3, 2019
Ronald Keith Parsonage, 80, of Waterloo, Nebraska passed away Saturday, August 3rd after a brave six-year fight against cancer. Born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Ron graduated magna cum laude from Cornell College in 1960 and from Creighton Law School in 1968. He served as a law clerk to the Honorable Richard E. Robinson and practiced law in Omaha with fidelity for more than 51 years, even ensuring his clients’ peace of mind from a hospital bed in his final days. Ron never retired and most recently served of counsel to Dvorak Law Group.
Ron’s generosity, sincerity and steadfast care were known by many. His friends, family and clients will remember him as an avid fisherman, Husker fan and meticulous steward of classic cars. Ron shared a love of adventure and outdoors with his family. He taught his children how to fish, water ski and snow ski and snow skied himself until age 74. He approached everything in life with the utmost care and diligence, always seeking to bring joy to his loved ones. He had a curious mind and could often be found with a historical biography in his lap or a difficult crossword in his hand. His sense of humor, adventure and storytelling, complete with bears, cougars and canoes, could send entire rooms belly laughing, and his intellect always made for a stirring conversation. His stories were unfailingly legendary; his prayers were unfailingly poignant.
Known to his family as “Goompa,” he is survived by his wife Gail, with whom he shared 56 years of marriage; his daughter, Suzanne Miller (Steve); his son, Doug Parsonage (Janet); his seven grandchildren: Savannah (James), Drake, Sam, Sophia, Gus, Meg and Eli; his brothers, Bob and Bill; and eight nephews and one niece.
A visitation in Ron’s honor will be held Thursday, August 8th at Heafey, Hoffman, Dworak & Cutler Funeral Home from 5-7 pm. His memorial service is Friday, August 9th at Bethany Lutheran Church ( 4200 N. 204th Street, Elkhorn, Ne) at 11 am with lunch and an interment service to follow. Military honors by Benson VFW Post 2503. In lieu of flowers, the family requests gifts in memory of Ron to the Judge Robinson Law Scholarship at Creighton University. Mail to Creighton University, Office of Development, PO Box 30282, Omaha, NE 68178 or to the Siena/Francis House.
5 Comments
My heart goes out to this wonderful family. Gail and Suzanne and Doug are all very caring and have very successful loving families. This all was a result of Ron and Gail’s loving bond and leadership. It is difficult to lose a patriarch but Goompa’s legacy will be forever!
I was so saddened to hear of Ron’s passing. My memories of time spent with you and Ron are still vivid in my mind. We had wonderful times together. Our vacations, dinner parties and support for one another as newly wed couples have always been cherished in my memories. Please know that I am thinking of Ron as a kind loving person with a generous heart. My prayers are with you and your family. Pat
Doug and the entire Parsonage family, our thoughts and prayers are with you through this time of loss. Reading about your dad and the high esteem in which he was held by everyone who knew him, encourages you to live a greater life and be a better person.
Gail, Suzanne, Doug
Just learned of Ron’s passing and so sorry to hear. What a guy !! The power of his pen will be missed by many. Those were the days of Camelot !! .
Janice, Jill and Jana
I just found of Ron’s passing and am deeply saddened. He was a tremendous family attorney, friend and mentor to me and my family. I am sorry for your loss Gail. He was a great man.
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