08/24/2001
Ronald Gene Ferguson Funeral services for Ronald Gene Ferguson, 52, of Knoxville,
who died on Friday, August 24, 2001, at Knoxville Area Community Hospital, were
held on Monday, August 27, at Williams Funeral Home. Rev. Peter J. Peterson officiated
at the services. Music was provided by Darlene Mooberry, organist and Jim Kidder,
vocalist.
Interment was at Graceland Cemetery in Knoxville. Casketbearers were Rich DeHeer,
Danny Dennison, Jack and Jim Ferguson, and Gary and Wayne Schippers. Ron was born
on December 26, 1948 in Newton. He was the son of Arlene Jean Schippers and Harold
Eugene Ferguson. He started school in Albia and moved to Knoxville where he finished
elementary school. He graduated from Knoxville High School in 1967. After graduation
he attended Ellsworth Junior College and Drake University. He graduated from the
Indiana College of Mortuary Science in 1975.
He married Ginger Lea Williams on July 3. 1971, in Knoxville. To this union two
children were born. Ron and Ginger worked together as funeral directors in Knoxville
until his death.
Ron’s children were the most precious things in his life. He followed all of their
activities over the years from dance recitals to football games. Ron and Ginger
traveled all over the United States attending their swim meets. Ron became a United
States Swimming Certified National Championship Official and worked at several national
meets that his son attended, as well as officiating throughout the Midwest.
Ron was a great sports fan who was especially fond of baseball. He kept track of
scores and standings for the Chicago Cubs and St. Louis Cardinals. He was also an
avid Iowa Hawkeye football fan. Ron also enjoyed hunting and playing pitch and pinochle
with friends. He was a people person who enjoyed helping others. He loved a good
practical joke, and always wanted to get the last laugh. He was preceded in death
by his father, Harold; and step-father, Wayne Van Wyk.
He is survived by his wife, Ginger of Knoxville; a daughter. Kirstin Ferguson of
Knoxville; a son, Zachary Ferguson of Knoxville; his mother, Jean Van Wyk of Knoxville;
a sister. Sharon (Kay) Poole of Otho as well as other relatives and friends. Arrangements
were made by Williams Funeral Home.