Schaumburg, Illinois
Ronald Gummerson of Schaumburg Ronald Gummerson entered into eternal life with his family at his side on Thursday, May 12, 2011. He was born on March 4, 1945, in Palatka, Fla. Ronald was the beloved husband of 42 years to Sheila (nee Matthews); loving father of Kelly (Robert) Higgins, Molly (fiance, Greg Snow), Kevin (Tammy), Brendan (Nathalie), Sheila, James and Kathleen; proud grandfather of Conor, Liam and Seamus Higgins, and Taya and Reed Gummerson; dear son of the late Roy and Mary Gummerson; and fond son-in-law of the late Patrick and Sheila Matthews. Ron was a longtime teacher and track coach at Proviso West, Maine East and James B. Conant High School, home of the Cougars. He was inducted into the Illinois Track & Cross-Country Coaches Hall of Fame in 2002.He was active in the Conant Teacher Retirement group, volunteered at the Ronald McDonald House in Maywood and was active at Church of the Holy Spirit in Schaumburg. Visitation will be on Sunday, from 3 to 8 p.m. at Ahlgrim & Sons Funeral and Cremation Services, 330 W. Golf Road, Schaumburg. Funeral prayers will be on Monday, beginning at 9 a.m. at the funeral home, proceeding to the Church of the Holy Spirit, 1451 W. Bode Road, Schaumburg, for a 10 a.m. Mass. Interment will be in St. Michael the Archangel Cemetery, Palatine. In lieu of flowers, Masses appreciated or donations can be made to the Ronald McDonald House, near Loyola, Tripp Ave. at Air Mail Road, Hines, IL 60141-7002. For information, 847-882-5580.
I first met Coach Gummerson at the start of the 1971 track season at Maine East HS. Coach Gummerson worked with me on my 440 times. I improved much under his leadership. I credit his coaching for me taking a first at the 1971 district meet. He will be greatly missed!! Respectfully, Les Joseph
Les Joseph
May 05, 2020 | Rockford, IL | Student
Ron was my first Cross Country Coach, when I was just learning what competitive running was all about. He talked me through the aches and pains and somehow managed to make it fun. I still run to this day, just a lot slower. He was a wonderful caring man. God Bless.
"Little Johnny" McHugh
May 07, 2019 | Lakeland, FL | Student
Mr. Gummerson was the first teacher I met at Proviso West in 1968 when I took a Summer Typing class. He was also my Cross Country Coach. He had a great outlook and a lasting impact as an example of positive thinking and determination. Ron was unforgetable.
Larry Best PW, 1972
September 28, 2012
I'm so sorry & very saddened to learn of the passing of a really kind & generous person & my condolences to Coache's family. I remember he would give us track guys rides home late at night after the Roy Gummerson Cougar Track Classic at Conant. He packed 5 or 6 runners in his little Volkswagon station wagon along with a few of his own kids! He always helped me out whenever I needed it & shared himself with everyone. I miss him dearly.
Jim "Pete" Peters
June 24, 2012 | Ellaville, GA
Dear Gummerson Family,
I saw Brendan's facebook post and I wanted to share. Ron was the finest coach and man I have ever meet. He was fiercely loyal to his Cougar track teams but the first to congratulate or console his competitors. I use to love going to the MSL seeding meetings, especially when Ron voiced his opinion. If challenged he would reiterate the point he was making with his voice getting a bit louder a firmer until his voice would make a high pitched crack. We all would...
Jim Macnider
December 27, 2011 | Schaumburg, IL
Dear Sheila and family: I have been meaning to write, but did not know your address and never gave much thought to searching Facebook. I was surprised and saddened to read Ron's obituary in the Bradley Univ Hilltopics. One of the things in the back of my mind was to someday reunite (see) Rod Collins and Ron Gummerson. I was their teammate in the fall of 1965 and 1966 on the Bradley cross country team.
I recall Ron and I walking back to our fraternity houses on Fredonia and talking to...
December 24, 2011
My sympathies to the Gummerson family. I only recently became aware of his passing. He was my coach when I transferred into Maine East in '72. While he made me a better runner he also made me a better man. He led by example and made a difference in my life.
Scott Doyle
September 16, 2011 | New York, NY
My deepest sympathies to the Gummerson family and friends. I had the Coach as a teacher for one class at Conant (in 1990?) and his words and demeanor have not left my memory. He was a warm and inspiring person. I still recall my favorite of his phrases "gold medals don't come in wheaties boxes." You really do have to work for your accomplishments. And he did just that.
Shelley Conant class of '91
June 15, 2011 | Johnson City, TN
My deepest sympathy goes out to your entire family. I knew Ron throughout my career in 211. However, I came to know and respect him even more after working for him as a traveling teacher one year. His influence and caring was evident in every aspect of his life. Ron was an inspiration to so many and will deeply be missed by all of us.
Gail Bernard
May 30, 2011 | Canton, IL