Ronald A "Ron" Isaacson

Lt. Colonel (Ret.) Ronald A. Isaacson, 81, of Eagle, Nebraska, passed away on December 27, 2025. Known throughout his life as Ronnie, Ike, Clark, and Colonel, he was born on September 16, 1944, in Manhattan, Kansas, to Ivan and Arlene (Johnson) Isaacson.
Ron graduated from Randolph High School in 1962. While in High School, he met Sharon Williams and the two were later married on December 17, 1966 in Randolph, Kansas. He attended Emporia State University for one year before earning a bachelor's degree in Zoology from Kansas State University. Shortly thereafter, he enlisted in the United States Air Force, beginning a distinguished military career spanning 20 years. During his service, he was primarily assigned to missile bases throughout the Midwest and rose through the ranks, retiring honorably as a Lieutenant Colonel.
Following his retirement from the Air Force, Ron continued to work in both professional and entrepreneurial roles. He was employed by Rockwell and Ash Grove, owned and operated his own lawn service, and later worked at Menards, remaining active and engaged well into retirement.
In his younger years, Ron found great enjoyment in camping, fishing, hiking, and traveling, particularly to Montana, one of his favorite destinations. He was an avid gardener and took great pride in his yard. A devoted father and grandfather, he loved coaching his daughters various sports teams and following his grandchildren's activities and had a remarkable ability to track team statistics and achievements. Ron was a lifelong Kansas City Royals fan, a dedicated history buff, and faithfully completed The New York Times crossword puzzles, reflecting his sharp mind and curiosity.
Ron is survived by his wife of 59 years, Sharon Isaacson; his daughters Jackie (John) Detmer of Portland, Texas, Angie (Dooley) Jolly of Papillion, Nebraska, and Debbie (Rory) Whaley of Ashland, Nebraska; grandchildren; Nicole Borchers, Ashley (Misty) Borchers, Grant Detmer, Brandon (Savannah) Jolly, Jack Jolly, Layne, Rodney and Avery Whaley, great grandchildren, Zoey, Ivory and Ezra Jolly, and his siblings Janet (Don) Benninga of Manhattan, Kansas, Becky (John) Brenner of Randolph, Kansas, and Dick (Kathy) Isaacson of Manhattan, Kansas. Ron is further survived by many cherished nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Ivan and Arlene Isaacson, and his grandson, Jack Detmer.
Ron's legacy lives on through the strength, compassion, curiosity, and love he instilled in his family and all who knew him. He will be remembered with honor for his service to his country and his steadfast devotion to those he loved.
A visitation to celebrate Ron's life will be held on Friday, January 2, 2026 from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm with the family greeting friends at the Fusselman-Allen-Harvey Funeral Home, 113 W D Street, Elmwood, NE.
Burial will take place at a later date at the Omaha National Cemetery in Omaha, Nebraska.
Memorials may be directed to the family for future designation.
Arrangements by Fusselman-Allen-Harvey Funeral Home, Elmwood, NE 402-994-6575