Ronald Lloyd Spence, 80, of Martell passed away on February 3, 2019 at his home after a long battle with cancer. He was born on February 8, 1938 near Spalding to William H. Sund Sr. and Marie A. Bumgardner. Ron graduated from St. Paul High School in 1956 and went to work that same year for Burlington Northern Railroad. He married Sharon L. Spence (Cookus) on October 23, 1968 and moved to Martell in 1970. He retired from the Railroad in 1995 after 39 years. Ron enjoyed retirement by going to auctions and farm sales (555). If he wasn’t at a sale he was working on the farm, watching westerns or attending his grandson’s sports activities. Ron and Sharon recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary.
He is survived by his wife, Sharon, his sons, Eric (Barb) Spence, Martell; Robert (Kim) Spence, Lincoln; daughter, Jacki (Jeff) Zeiss, Phoenix AZ; brother, Darrel (Jane) Spence, Atlantic IA; and 7 grandchildren as well as many extended family members and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, a sister and several brothers.
No services are planned at this time. Condolences may be left online at trumpmemorials.com.
Condolences on your loss. I met Ron many times at his garage sales. Always enjoyed visiting & bartering with him. May you find peace.
I always enjoyed seeing Ron at our auctions. He had a beautiful smile that was a delight to see and I enjoyed our chats. Deepest sympathy to you all.
Sorry to hear of your loss
Randy Cookus, so sorry to hear about your Aunt Sharon’s husband Ron. I know Jack always spoke about him.
Randy and Corine
Dear Family of Mr. Spense,
I am so sorry for your loss. May God’s promise bring you comfort. There will be “a new earth… and He will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore… I am making all things new.” Revelation 21:1-5
Condolences on Ron Passing. I met Ron at Lincoln Diesel Shop in 1969. Enjoyed working around Ron. He was a good man, always had a story to tell. With many of the men working at the shop, many farmed or had farm connections. A lot of the conversations were about their Day Jobs, farming, as we were working 4 to 12 shift.
My Deepest Sympathy
Worked with Ron and son Bob while I was at BNSF. Truly a pleasure. Prayers going out to your family.
Larry Thomas
RON & KAY BENSON Condolences to Ron’s family sorry for the loss of a great friend husband father and grandfather. I will miss seeing him around swap meets auctions always looking for that bargain. rest in peace buddy!
Condolences on the loss of a good man. He always had a smile.
(Tom & Beth Silverstrand) I met Ron in 1972, when just hired at the Diesel Shop. He always had a smile, a spare joke to share, and was always very welcoming to visit with. After quitting the railroad and running my business full time, Ron always stayed in touch with me, which was very meaningful. He will be greatly missed. Our deepest condolences to the family.
(Martin and Twyla Terry) Worked with Ron in Diesel Shop for many years. Enjoyed many auction with Ron, except when he bid against us! Always fun to be around and just a Great Person. Will be missed very much. Our deepest thoughts and condolences to his family.
I had the pleasure of working for Ron when he was at the BN Denver shop and then was able to see and visit him when we moved to Lincoln due to the Denver shop closure. He helped myself
and others to get settled and was always a source of help and advice! We will miss him and his wonderful ways. Our condolences and prayers go out to the family.