Ronald Zophy

Ronald A. Zophy- (Born Ronald Wilhelm Kuester) age 85, after several years battling congestive heart failure, went to be with his Lord on January 19, 2024. Ronald is preceded in death by his wife Barbara Zophy, his sister JoAnn Wenke and his nephew Mathew Wenke. He is survived by his children, Allen Zophy of Louisville, KY and Ann-Marie Rohe (Zophy) of California and their families; his in-laws Marion Jutzi and Charles Faist of Ontario, Canada and their families, and his nephew Michael Wenke and Lucas Wenke of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and their families.

Ron was born on May 06, 1938 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin to Elsie Schlief and William Kuester. He went to live with Gladys and Herschel Zophy of Milwaukee Wisconsin when he was 3, who eventually adopted him at age 17. Ron grew up in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and graduated from Pulaski High School in 1956. He then attended North Central College in Naperville, IL. He entered the seminary program, but eventually changed majors and graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology. While attending college he met Barbara, his wife-to-be, and after graduation they were married on August 27, 1960 and were married for 62 years.

In 1962 Ron enlisted in the U.S.A.F. and went to Lackland Air Force base in San Antonio, TX. After basic training Ron was assigned to Brooks AFB the Aerospace Medical Center in San Antonio TX, as an engineering and scientific aide. He did psychological testing of pilots and astronaut candidates. Ron found great pride in testing the NASA astronauts between 1962-1966. Ron started his career with the YMCA in San Antonia and was a youth director at the local church. The church was a driving factor in Ron and Barbara’s lives from that point onward. Always finding a home and a family with the local church.

Ron was with the YMCA for 30 years starting out as a part time youth program director in San Antonio, TX and eventually was the Director of the Louisville YMCA. He would say his greatest accomplishment at the YMCA was using his accounting skills to take the Y from operating at a deficit to making a profit all 5 years he was there.

Ron’s YMCA career and hotel management took him all over the U.S. Ron and Barbara moved several times living in 7 different states: WI, TX, MI, IL, IN, OH, and KY and eventually came back to retire in Louisville in 2003. Even though his family moved around a lot the one constant thing was a church family. Wherever they landed, they got involved in the church; church choir, softball (he played until he was 78), dart ball, United Methodist Men and Sunday School.

Besides being involved in the church Ron enjoyed auto racing, either watching the Indianapolis 500, or stock car racing, to eventually realizing a dream of his, to enter an Enduro Race at the Flat Rock Speedway in Michigan. Ron Loved playing softball and enjoyed organizing, grooming the fields, and umpiring many softball leagues.

Once Ron and Barbara retired in KY, Ron still worked part time for many years. He was the activities coordinator at Wesley Manor for 14 years and ushered for the Louisville Bats for 18 years and would do odd jobs like help at the voting polls.

Visitation and Memorial Services will be held February 16th@2:00pm at Fern Creek United Methodist Church in conjunction with Arch L. Heady Resthaven Funeral Home. casual attire. All are welcome to join the family for a reception at the church following the service. In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation to your favorite charity, Wesley Manor, or Fern Creek United Methodist Church.