Ronald L. Lingle

It is with profound sadness that the family of Ronald Lee Lingle announces his passing on June 11, 2026, at the age of 88. Ron was a lifelong resident of Lincoln, Nebraska, where he was born, raised, and peacefully passed away.

Ron was born on March 23, 1938, to Elma Katherine (Taney) and Merlin Samuel Lingle. As a young boy, he enjoyed contributing to the family business, "Lingle Auctioneers," which sold everything from cars to furniture. Ron was a familiar fixture at the auctions, often seen selling popcorn to the company's patrons.

Ronald Lee Lingle proudly and honorably served his country in the U.S. Navy from 1959 to 1961, following in his father's footsteps of dedicated service and family pride. Entering active duty with an educational background in Business Administration, his sharp aptitude for numbers and finance led the Navy to assign him to the elite Seabees with U.S. Naval Mobile Construction Battalion Five (NMCB-5). Ron spent nearly his entire military career deployed overseas on the island of Guam, where his battalion constructed vital infrastructure during the Cold War. Following his honorable discharge, he utilized his military education benefits to return to school and finish his degree.

Returning to civilian life, Ron built a dedicated career in Lincoln. He worked first for the historic Nebraska Book Company—a landmark wholesale textbook distributor founded near the University of Nebraska campus in 1915—and later served the state within the Nebraska Department of Revenue, initially working inside the Nebraska State Capitol before the department relocated in 1976, where he remained until his retirement. In his retirement years, his sharp mind found a new outlet in learning about and investing in the stock market.

Ron was a man whose dedication to those he loved was extraordinary. He was a simple, yet loyal caretaker, looking after his parents as well as his Aunt Rose and Uncle Lester in their later years. Ron carried an immense pride for his heritage; his father was one of four Lingle brothers, and Ron was the only child among them.

Known for his quick wit and sarcastic sense of humor, Ron brought joy, belly laughs, and giggles to his family. He often broke into a spontaneous dance at the dinner table to create much laughter, and he shared a special bond with his young daughter through his famous, captivating toothpick tricks.

The true measure of Ron’s life was the quiet, steady example he set for everyone around him. He walked through the world with strength, duty, and integrity. His greatest gifts were his kindness and respect. This special legacy doesn't end with him; it is carried forward inherently by his grandsons, who embody the very best of who he was.

Outside of his professional life, Ron had a lifelong passion for bowling. A highly skilled and fierce competitor on the lanes, he achieved the ultimate bowling milestone in 1979, earning a coveted 300 diamond ring for shooting a perfect game in league play.

He leaves behind to cherish his memory his life love and partner of 49 years, Anna Crofford; and his adored daughter, Lisa Lingle Madlener. As the only surviving Lingle of his immediate clan, Lisa proudly passed the family name forward to Ron's oldest grandson, Ryan Lingle Madlener, ensuring the Lingle heritage endures. He is also survived by his youngest grandson, Neilsen (Neil) Schmick Madlener, who shares his deep voice, red-brown hair, and sweet nature.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Elma Katherine Lingle (Taney) and Merlin Samuel Lingle, as well as his beloved Aunt Rose and Uncle Lester. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who knew him.

A graveside funeral service with military honors rendered by the U.S. Navy Honor Guard will be held on June 16 at 10:00 AM at Lincoln Memorial Cemetery in Lincoln, Nebraska.

Fair winds and following seas, sailor. Your watch is over.