Ronald H. Lingren

1935 - 2015

LINGREN Dr. Ronald H. Lingren died on June 1, 2015, less than a month from his 80th birthday. He passed suddenly, but peacefully, with his children and wife by his side. Ron was born in Gowrie, Iowa June 26, 1935 - the third of four sons of a tenant farmer and a grade school teacher. He and his brothers Herb, Chuck and Ted rose from these humble beginnings to become the first in their family to graduate from college, all four achieving PhDs. He was a graduate of Iowa State University, and received his PhD from the University of Iowa, kicking off a 50-year career and leadership in the field of educational and clinical psychology. Ron's clinical psychology practice focused on counseling emotionally troubled adolescents and children. Countless patients benefited from his grounded, positive guidance and expertise. In tandem, Ron served for many years as professor of educational psychology at the University of Wisconsin at Milwaukee, where he received the title of Professor Emeritus for his work. Ron was a founding member of the National Association of School Psychologists and served on its Executive Board. In addition, he served as president of the Wisconsin Association of School Psychologists. He was a dedicated mentor to students and future leaders in his field throughout his 50-year career. In the middle of his teaching and counseling career he served three terms as a Wisconsin State Representative (1974-80), where he served on the influential Joint Finance Committee and received multiple citations from state governors. In 1983 he was appointed by Governor Tony Earl to the Great Lakes Higher Education Board of Directors, where he served for decades. He was very proud of his 42 years serving in the US military. He served four years in the Army - including a tour in the Korean War - and was the recipient of the National Defense Service and United Nations Service medals. He served 38 years as a Major with the Air Force Reserves, and was recipient of the Armed Forces Reserve medal. In addition to being a chief weapons officer, an expert marksman, a radio operator, and a behavior scientist (code for psychologist), he served on the 1959 security detail for Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev's visit to Iowa. Ron was a passionate, deeply loving, caring, and dedicated family man - a wonderful father and husband. His great sense of humor often spilled over into goofiness and shared laughter with family and friends. Yet, Ron always knew how to give great comfort to others who needed his support. He knew what to say or do when it mattered most, even a smile, a hug, or just being there. Jazz, poetry, romantic gestures, silly jokes, and sunsets - he loved them all. Ron's cats were always a big part of his life. Ron was a big sports fan as well, and was especially loyal to his Iowa Hawkeyes, Wisconsin Badgers, Jacksonville Jaguars, and Green Bay Packers. Ron was privileged to travel all over the world with his wife and children, and especially enjoyed the tropical beaches of St. John USVI - but he never forgot his humble roots and was grateful for having lived such a deeply joyous life. Ron raised two children, Scott and Kristin, with his first wife Dot, with whom he always remained a friend. His marriage to Amy in 1990 brought him immense joy, and they were one month from celebrating their 25th wedding anniversary together. He also delighted in being a grandfather to Ava, the daughter of Amy's daughter Kate and her husband Paul. He is survived by his wife Amy; son Scott & his wife Theresa; daughter Kristin; Amy's daughter Kate, her husband Paul and their daughter Ava; and brothers Charles & Ted Lingren. A memorial service and reception will be held this Saturday, June 6th at 1pm at the Beaches Chapel in Jacksonville Beach, Florida (1701 Beach Blvd, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250). A burial with full military honors will be scheduled for early July (date to be determined) at the Veterans National Cemetery in Jacksonville, Florida