Elwood, Nebraska

Donald William Ringenberg, age 83, of Elwood, Nebraska passed away Friday, November 2, 2012 at his home. He was born March 3, 1929 in Frontier County on the family farm south of Eustis, Nebraska to Henry A. and Jessie (Umberger) Ringenberg.

 He was baptized and confirmed in the United Methodist Church of Elwood. Don attended rural school district #56 in Gosper County for his first 8 years of schooling. He would graduate with the Class of 1947 from Elwood High School. On July 8, 1951 he enlisted in the U. S. Air Force. On June 6, 1954 he married Ellen D. Miller of Gothenburg, Nebraska. They moved to the family farm southwest of Elwood. This would be Don’s home until 2009 when Ellen suffered a stroke and they moved into Elwood. After his retirement he continued to raise yearlings in the calving pasture for a few years, and spent his summer months as a crop adjuster for Farmers Mutual Hail Insurance Co. of Iowa.  Don was a member and past Commander of the Elwood Legion Post #290 and past Master of the Masonic Lodge #167 of Elwood, and past President of the Tri-County Shrine. He was a member of the United Methodist Church serving on the board of trustees for many years and took special interest in the Little Angel’s Day Care. He was a Cub Scout and Boy Scout leader.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Ellen of 53 years, brother Max Ringenberg, sister Virginia Wheeler.

He is survived by his friend and companion Millie Stagemeyer of Elwood, Nebraska

                             Sons: Mark & wife Mary Ringenberg of Fremont, Nebraska

                                      Kurt & wife Denise Ringenberg of McCook, Nebraska

                    Daughter:  Carol Lea Ringenberg of Lincoln, Nebraska

Grandchildren: 5    

                  
Condolences and personal reflections may be left at elwoodfuneralhome.com

There will be no viewing or visitation as Don chose to be cremated. Private family inurnment will be before the service at the Fort McPherson National Cemetery at Maxwell, Nebraska. Celebration of Life will be Monday, November 5, 2012 at 1 PM at the United Methodist Church, in Elwood, Nebraska with Pastor Mary Fuller, officiating. Military rites will be given at the memorial service in Elwood by the Elwood American Legion Post #290. Memorials are suggested to the Gosper County Senior Center, in Elwood, Nebraska and the Shriners Hospital for Crippled Children.  Elwood Funeral Home of Elwood, Nebraska is in charge of the arrangements.