Ronald Theodore Smedberg

Ronald Smedberg, aged 85, passed away peacefully on June 17th, 2024. Born to Irene and T.R. Smedberg, he grew up in Elk Grove, California. He attended college at UCBerkeley and the University of the Pacific where he earned a masters in chemistry. At UOP, he met the love of his life, Helen, and they were married in the UOP chapel in 1962. They soon welcomed two daughters and made a life in Citrus Heights.

Ron taught chemistry for 37 years. He started his teaching career at Del Campo High School where he also was the golf coach. He was eventually hired at American River College where he taught organic chemistry until his retirement in 2000. Mr. Smedberg is remembered by many of his students as an excellent teacher with creative lessons that kept them on their toes. Over the years, he received letters from past students expressing the impact his teaching had on their lives and future careers. During the summer, he painted houses and occasionally painted the houses of widows for the cost of supplies only.

In his free time, he loved to stream fish, play golf, care for his yard, paint pictures, and watch sports - especially the 49er’s and the A’s. He shared his love of Yosemite with family and friends and hiked many of the trails there. Ron was a member of Fair Oaks Presbyterian Church where he sang bass in the choir for 40 years. He also led a quartet and a men’s singing group for several years. Family and friends will remember Ron for his playful/competitive spirit, his quick wit, generosity, and loyalty.

Ron greatly loved his three grandsons and often came to their sporting events to support them. He enjoyed watching them grow into productive, good-natured young men.

He is survived by his wife Helen, daughters Lorrie and Lisa, sons-in-law Dave and Chris, and grandsons Nathanael, Jonathan, and Elijah. He is preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Ken.

A Celebration of Ron’s life will be held on Friday August 9th at 11:00 am at Mt. Vernon Memorial Park: 8201 Greenback Lane, Fair Oaks, CA.

Family and friends are welcome to join us at a reception immediately following the service at The Old Spaghetti Factory 12401 Folsom Blvd., Rancho Cordova, CA 95742. Kindly send RSVP to [email protected] if you will attend the reception.