Ronald "Ron" Carl Gade

Ronald “Ron” Carl Gade of Seward was born September 6, 1938 in Seward, Nebraska to Carl August and Ruth Eleanor (Ricenbaw) Gade.  Ron was a lifetime member of St. John Lutheran Church in Seward, Nebraska 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, Nebraska.

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 Fair Grounds.  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, Nebraska; sister, Barbara Fortner, Austin, Texas; nephew, Mike (Lori) Winkelmann, Austin, Texas, children, Grant (Carrington), Garrett, Brayton, Koby and Keaton, nephew, Tim (Michelle) Winkelmann, Seward, Nebraska, 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, Ken Fortner. 

A special thank you would like to be extended to the staff at Memorial Health Care Systems in Seward, HoriSun Hospice and CCA Home Care for their care and support in the hospital and at home during his final weeks and days.

CASKET BEARERS - Alan Brose, Aaron Beckler, Doug Brand, Brad Wagner, Al Hain, Ron Herley, Larry Naber, Ken Odvody, Van Springer, Russ Stutzman, Ron Wallman, Michael Flyr, Austin Schweitzer, Colton Wehrs

MEMORIALS IN CARE OF SEWARD COUNTY 4-H FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIP FU

ND, SEWARD COUNTY AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY OR DONOR'S CHOICE.

The funeral service at St. John will follow current directed health measures, masks are required.   

A lunch will be held immediately following the funeral service at Harvest Hall at Seward County Fairgrounds.   

If you cannot attend the service we invite you to worship with us by live streaming on YouTube "St. John Seward Live stream".

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