About 70 years ago, give or take, a young boy lay among the Nebraska prairie grasses at his grandparents' house, looking up at cumulus clouds drifting slowly over the Sandhills. In his wandering imagination, the clouds took the shape of a dragon, and then a whale, and then a mountain, and so on. Just this week, on October 14, 2026, that same boy, now a man of 77, surrounded by family, gazed for the last time at the gentle clouds drifting over the prairie from the Wisconsin home he shared with his wife Donna and his dog Zeke. The day was filled with expressions of love and appreciation.

Pancreatic cancer diminished his body, but never his spirit. He told anyone who asked that he had a great life: a loving family, wonderful friends and community, a meaningful career and plenty of adventures. His wise and gentle kindness shone through even in the most challenging of times.

Ron was grateful for the time to leave a final message, which can be found at www.ronzimmermanremembered.com.

Ron was the first Director of Schmeeckle Reserve and Co-author of the Interpreter's Handbook Series. He is survived by his wife Donna; sons Chad (Rachael) and Noah (Andrea); grandchildren Sydney (28), her husband Michael Mylin (28), Simon (24), Gabe (18) and Kaili (16); and his sisters Marsha, Laurel, Colleen and Rhonda.

A celebration of life will be held in the spring of 2027; details to be announced. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Friends of Schmeeckle Reserve (www.friendsofschmeeckle.org/donate).

Mid Wisconsin Cremation Society is assisting family at this time. Online condolences may be expressed at MWCS.WS