JASPERS, Ronald R. 1950-2013

JASPERS

Posted By: K.L. Kittleson
Date: 5/10/2013 at 11:11:55

ST. ANSGAR, IOWA — Ronald “Ronnie” Raymond Jaspers, 62, of St. Ansgar, formerly of Northwood, passed away Tuesday, May 7, 2013, at the Mitchell County Regional Health Center in Osage.

A celebration of life service for Ronnie will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, May 11, at the Conner Colonial Chapel, 1008 First Ave. S., Northwood, with Pastor Barbara Wills of Peace Lutheran Church officiating. Inurnment will be in the Sunset Rest Cemetery in Northwood. Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. on Friday, and one hour prior to service time on Saturday at the chapel.

The family of Ronald Jaspers would like to suggest that those wishing to give a memorial in his memory may with to consider memorial contributions to “Save our Strays” c/o Cedar Valley Veterinary Clinic, 107 South Park Street, St. Ansgar, IA 50472.

Ronald “Ronnie” Raymond Jaspers was born on Dec. 31, 1950, in Mason City, the son of Maynard and Marjorie (Lewis) Jaspers. Ronnie received his education in the Northwood-Kensett Community Schools, graduating in 1969. He also graduated from NIACC in Mason City in 1971, and Mankato State College in 1973. Before earning his nursing degree from Hawkeye Technical Institute in Waterloo in 1982, Ronnie worked at St. Francis Hospital in Waterloo. After obtaining his nursing degree, he moved to Atlanta, Ga., and was instrumental in starting a psychiatric medical facility at Emory University that was the first of its type in the country and future facilities modeled itself from this. Ronnie returned home in 1998 to be near his family, and worked on various administrative boards and health related areas.

Ronnie enjoyed classic cars, flying, motorcycles, gardening, 60s music, and dogs, especially poodles, and his dog Tess.

Ronnie was deeply rooted in Midwestern values, helping others with their computers, everyday problems, and anything mechanical. He was a true caregiver, not wanting or expecting anything in return, was very spiritual, and loved exploring and growing in other religious faith.

Those left to cherish his memory is his partner of 28 years, Dennis Hatton of St. Ansgar; his brothers, Donald Jaspers of Northwood, and Bradley Jaspers of the Mosaic Group Home in Clarion; his sister Pat Muehl for the last 50 years, of Evansdale; his uncle, Bill (Jo) Lewis of Three Rivers, Mich.; his aunt-in-law, Pete Lewis of Mason City; many cousins and friends.

Ronnie was preceded in death by his parents, Maynard in 1993, Marjorie in 2012, and his uncle, Lefty “Myron” Lewis.

Conner Colonial Chapel, 641-324-1543, www.colonialchapels.com

Source: Mason City Globe Gazette, May 10, 2013