Ronald C. Naugle

1942 - 2021

Ronald C. Naugle

September 18, 1942 - October 26, 2021

Ronald C. Naugle, 79, of Lincoln passed away October 26, 2021. Born September 18, 1942, in Mitchell, IN, to Durwood and Martha Naugle. A 1960 graduate of Mitchell High School, Ron held a bachelor's degree in American Government and Politics, a master's in American History from Purdue University, and a doctorate in American Studies from the University of Kansas. He began teaching at Nebraska Wesleyan University in 1966, the Huge-Kinne professor of history for 19 years, department chair from 1980-2001, graduate program chairman from 2002-2005, and professor emeritus from 2004.

Ron authored several books, including "Nebraska Quilts and Quiltmakers", which won a Frost Award from the Smithsonian Institute, and the Third and Fourth editions of "History of Nebraska" with the latter receiving a Nebraska Book Award from the Nebraska Center for the Book in 2015. In 2003 Ron was awarded the Paul Beck Social Studies Teacher of the Year for Nebraska and honored by the Nebraska Humanities Council as a Nebraska Sower. He co-wrote two films, "White Man's Way" (1986) and "In the White Man's Image" (1992) with the former winning a 1987 Clarion Award.

Family members include his daughter and son-in-law, Meredith and Jeremiah Heilig, Lakewood, CO; mother, Martha Naugle-Johnson, Mitchell, IN; brother, Dale Naugle. Preceded in death by his father, Durwood, and his wife of 58 years, Gretchen.

Celebration of life service being held Saturday, November 13, 2021, 9:30 a.m. at Roper and Sons, O street, Lincoln, NE. Memorials may be directed to his daughter for future designation. Condolences online at Roperandsons.com