Ronald R. Horstman

Ronald R. Horstman, formerly of Lincoln, Nebraska, died on September 23, 2018. He lived faithfully and proudly served his country in the United States Navy as a medical corpsman during the Korean conflict and in the Navy Reserve. Ron and his beloved wife of 63 years, Alice, raised four daughters and a village of others, redefining the definition of family. He suffered with courage and dignity and died in his home surrounded by his daughters and grandchildren and his beloved German Shepherd dog, the Royal

Chief II.

As a sales and marketing leader, Ron relocated in 1965 to the Chicago metropolitan area, where he lived his motto, “family first,” opening his arms and home to all. Every stranger was a friend and he was a great friend to many, helping others in their time of need and offering encouragement, an understanding ear, a warm embrace, a roof over their head or financial support. He rescued many of the weary. Ron was a surrogate dad and role model for many children and young adults who often joined the family for cherished Sunday night dinners. The Horstman home was filled with love and laughter. He lived with passion and he adored attending his daughter’s kindergarten class as a secret reader. He was a servant leader at heart, serving his Church in many capacities. Ron was proud to have received a call from the Real Santa directly from the North Pole so that he could be a Santa’s helper at Church, the Police and Fire Departments. Ron had a passion for politics and served the Republican Party in many roles, including election day volunteer and precinct captain. He was the family photo journalist/videographer, animal whisperer, lover of nature and the original “tree hugger.”

Ron was an avid Cornhuskers and Chicago sports fan, enjoying all of his team’s big wins. But he lived for Spring Training and the Chicago Cubs. He treasured every minute of the 2016 Chicago Cubs World Series year with joy and optimism. He believed in the wise words of Harry Caray that “as sure as God made green apples, someday the Chicago Cubs are going to be in the World Series.” And he lived to see it!

Preceded in death by his first-generation German grandparents on both sides of his family, parents Ralph “Bud” Horstman, Rose Ann Runge Horstman, brother Roger Horstman, grandson Luke Andrew Wienckowski, his beloved wife of 63 years Alice Hoag Horstman and their seven German Shepherds: Jingles, Duchess, Sugar, Riggs, Spirit, Hawkeye, and Chief I. He is survived by his daughters Katheryn Horstman Bratt, Rhonda Horstman Purbaugh (Steve), Mary Alice Horstman and Barbara Horstman Wienckowski (Andy); grandchildren Nicholas Horstman Bratt (Kelsi), Kristina Bratt, Matthew Purbaugh (Janine) and Stephanie Purbaugh (Michael); great-grandchildren Addison Bratt, Aiden Horstman Bratt, Ewan Purbaugh, his brother Larry Horstman (Patti). He is also survived by his many adopted children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and devoted friends whom he made family throughout a life lived with purpose, integrity, commitment, silliness and fun. Rest in peace, daddy, papa, grandpa, big papa, big Popeye and dear loving friend. It was a wonderful life!

A celebration in honor of Ron Horstman’s life will be held on Saturday, October 6 at 5 p.m. (5:00 p.m. visitation, 5:30 p.m. celebration memorial, and 6:30 p.m. reception), at the Olive Tree Congregation (Living Faith Bible Church) at 400 N. Elmhurst Road, Prospect Heights, IL 60070 (the former home of Prospect Heights Community Church). A Celebration will also be held at Lincoln Memorial Cemetery, 6700 S.14th Street, Lincoln Nebraska 68512 on October 20, 2018 at 10 a.m. Interment for Ronald Horstman and his beloved bride, Alice Hoag Horstman, to follow.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the http://navylog.navymemorial.org/ or Lambs Farm, a community in Libertyville, Illinois, helping people with developmental disabilities lead productive, happy lives and connecting with the human spirit in us all at http://www.lambsfarm.org/