Ron Shipman

Ronald Joseph Shipman passed away peacefully on Oct. 1, 2022 in Haxtun at the age of 79.

Ron was born in Spring Valley, Ill. on Oct. 1, 1943 to Dorothy Cassidy Shipman and Elmer (Doc) Shipman. The family lived in Sunny Mead, Ill. during Ron's younger years and then moved to Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Ron attended Jefferson High School.

Ron met Carolyn Rejsa in high school and they were married on Oct. 8, 1961. Together they had three children: Andy, Kelley and Aaron.

In 1971 Ron and family moved to Lakewood. Many weekends were spent exploring the state, camping and fishing. He loved being outdoors. Ron had many dogs over the years, they were all very loved and spoiled by him.

Ron worked over 40 years in the glass business as a glazier, like his father. He owned Evergreen Glass and taught his sons the business and his work ethic. They both followed their dad and are working in the glass business today.

Ron was active in the Elks and was 32nd Degree Mason and enjoyed his time in the Shrine.

When it was time for Ron to retire, he pursued his love of fishing and outdoors by moving to Haxtun, on the eastern plains where the fish were always biting. He could go fishing everyday ... it wasn't long before he felt he needed to do something else with his time.

Ron started working for the Haxtun School District and truly loved everything about the job and people. He would say he had the best of both worlds - he was able to spend his mornings with the children who affectionately named him "Mr. Ron" and the afternoons at one of the lakes fishing. Mr. Ron was well liked and he received the Haxtun School District Employee of the Year award in 2019. He truly loved each day he went to work, he could be overheard saying "hey buddy" or "good morning young lady" to the children. 

Ron is survived by his partner Carolyn Shipman; children Andy Shipman, Kelley Rossi and Aaron Shipman; grandchildren Tristan, Katie, Shea, Hailey, Camden, Lexi and Rylie; great-grandchildren Patrick, Cash, Torre, Lelynd and Salem; and brother Donald Shipman.

He is preceded in death by his parents Dorothy and Elmer Shipman and sister Sharon Shipman.

Services were held on Oct. 29 at the Haxtun United Methodist Church.