Ron and Suzi will remain in my memories as among my dearest and most treasured friends since we first met each other in 1968. They were each knowledgeable, multi-talented, compassionate, salt-of-earth people. I have been richly privileged to have known them all these years.
Ron was a valued colleague and friend for over 30 years at UW-Oshkosh. Over his tenure at the University, he literally provided individual guidance and attention to thousands of students who sought his help in making academic, career, and personal choices. Students in his classes gave him high ratings on evaluations. He served the University on a variety of faculty committees. And he won an Outstanding Service Award in recognition.
Ron's obituary describes how the experience of leaving his farm home in Thurston, Nebraska, and entering the University of Nebraska as a freshman affected his career choices and dedication to service. In his office at UW-O, he had a replica of a Norman Rockwell painting showing a farm boy sitting on his suitcase, with his father standing at his side, while they waited for the bus to take him off to college. That was Ron, and he never forgot the feelings of that boy!
To Randy and Rusty, and all of their families, my condolences in your loss. I know Ron strongly believed that he and Suzi would now be together again.
Ken Hocking
