Ronald S. Goodschmidt, 76, of Sioux County, Nebraska, passed away Saturday, July 8, 2023, at Regional West Medical Center in Scottsbluff, Nebraska. A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m., Tuesday, July 18, 2023, at Reverence Funeral Parlor in Scottsbluff with Pastor Ken Trevithick officiating. Casual dress is welcome. Burial will follow at Sunset Memorial Park Cemetery near Scottsbluff. The casket will be closed. Military honors will be provided by the Nebraska Army National Guard and Gering American Legion Post 36 Funeral Honor Guard. Memorials and donations may be made in lieu of flowers to Patty Goodschmidt at 1950 Hwy 29, Mitchell, NE 69357. Designation will be determined at a later date. The service will be livestreamed and recorded to Ron’s obituary page viewable at www.reverencefuneralparlor.com.
Ron was born March 11, 1947, in Scottsbluff to Harold and Frieda (Lofing) Goodschmidt. He graduated from Huntley High School with the class of 1966. Ron was drafted in 1967 and was in the United States Army from January 1967 to April 1969. He was critically wounded in combat while deployed in Vietnam and spent ten months recovering at Fitzsimons Army Medical Center Hospital in Denver from June 1968 to April 16, 1969. It took ten months for him to recover from bone replacements and skin grafts caused from shrapnel wounds that caused him problems for the remainder of his life. His mother jokingly said, “He was too ornery to die.” Ron was awarded the Purple Heart and returned home to Nebraska after being honorably discharged from the Army.
Ron became the proud father of three sons from his first marriage: Troy, Mark, and Tim. He later met Patricia “Patty” Miracky and the couple married on May 16, 1999. He also gained a bonus daughter, Kristen Smith. They made their home together in Sioux County.
Ron made a living working with his hands and specialized in tractor mechanics. He interned at Hiners a few years perfecting his skills and knowledge. Ron bought Mitchell Motors in the early 70s and successfully owned and operated the business until turning it over to his son in 2009. However, that was far from the end of Ron’s connection at Mitchell Motors. He continued to be a regular presence at the shop up until a week before his passing. Ron was considered an area expert for old tractor mechanic work and tractor remodels. Part of what he enjoyed most about his work was the opportunity to socialize with the local farmers and build lasting friendships with his customers.
Some of Ron’s hobbies included fishing and traveling. Each year he looked forward to an annual trip to Deadwood. Ron was a wonderful grandfather “Papa” and he and Patty ventured to South Dakota regularly with their grandchildren. They made many lasting memories each time they visited. Ron’s garage or “man-cave” was where he liked to spend quiet time playing solitaire or solving crossword puzzles. Many will remember Ron as an out-going, fun-loving, kind-hearted man. His personality was warm and welcoming. He will be deeply missed for the great guy he was to everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him.
Survivors include his wife, Patty Goodschmidt of Sioux County; sons, Troy (Lizz) Goodschmidt of Holdrege, NE, Mark Goodschmidt of Gering, Tim Goodschmidt of Lyman; bonus daughter, Kristen Smith of Lyman; grandchildren, Autumn Smith, Tori (Trestian) Siemering, Ty (Andria) Goodschmidt, Macy, Bethanny, and Tristan Goodschmidt; siblings, Judy Crane of Scottsbluff, Richard Goodschmidt of Wichita, KS, and Diane (George) Leis of Scottsbluff; along with many nieces, nephews, great- nieces and nephews, and many special friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Frieda Goodschmidt; and his brother, Jerry Goodschmidt.