Ronald Lee Hietbrink
Ron Hietbrink was born in Lincoln, Nebraska on 4/22/44 to Garret and Marjorie
(Wessel) Hietbrink. He grew up on a farm in Panama, NE, with his sister and two
brothers (Joyce, Jim and Gary) in a family filled with love and laughter. When he
was 12, he moved to Sacramento, Ca. and later returned to Lincoln where he
graduated from Lincoln Northeast in 1962. After graduation he moved back to
Sacramento, married his high school sweetheart Judy Kreitman and raised two
daughter’s Ronalee (Hietbrink) Pearson and Mary (Hietbrink) Freehling. He was a
machinist for 40 years, working at Westport Machine Works, Campbell Soup and
for the Federal Government at McClellan AFB in Sacramento and Ogden AFB in
Ogden, Utah.
Ron was a gentle soul. He shared his love and his sense of humor with his family
and friends doing the things he enjoyed most – golfing, camping, road trips,
water skiing, listening to music, watching sports and coaching his daughter’s
softball teams. He always made time to listen, talk, play, help, or in other words
just “BE” with the people he loved.
Nothing was more important to him than spending time with his family and
grandchildren. He spent hours telling them stories, creating plays in the garage,
playing cards and marbles on the carpet in his living room. His name won’t go
down in history, but it is carved into the hearts of those he loved and who loved
him.
Ron leaves his wife, Judy, two daughters, Ronalee (Craig) Pearson, Mary (Doug)
Freehling, six grandchildren, Tyler (Dani) Pearson, Sam (Hannah) Pearson, Sara
Pearson (Ian Chavez), Katie Freehling, Shelby Freehling, Drew (Elizabeth)
Freehling, and four great grandchildren, Jocko & Brae Pearson and Margo and
Kennedy Pearson and his brother, Jim Hietbrink.
He was preceded in death by his parents Garret and Marge Hietbrink, sister
Joyce Ridgley and brother Gary Hietbrink.
We invite you to join us for a Celebration of Life for Ronald Lee Hietbrink on
Friday, June 13, 2025, at The Isles. The gathering will begin at 4 PM and continue
as long as the party lasts—because in our hearts, the memories never truly end.
To leave a condolence please use the form below.
Funeral Home assisting is Aspen Mortuary, 4822 Cleveland Avenue, Lincoln, NE 68504. To view an on-line obituary or email condolences please visit Aspen Mortuary’s website at www.aspenaftercare.com.
Condolences for Ronald Lee Hietbrink
Judy and Family,
We are sending our deepest sympathy for the loss of your husband Ron.
It is especially difficult since you and Ron were together since high school.
May the Lord be with you and comfort you at this most difficult time of your life.
Your sorrow touches us deeply,
Linda and Mike Compton
To the family of Ron Hietbrink
Our sincere condolences to you Judy, and
The family.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in this time of sorrow, may God watch over you all in this difficult time.
Larry Hietbrink and Sharron Goings
Judy and family,
So sorry to hear of this loss. May you be comforted knowing prayers are being said for Ron’s family and friends.
Kim Tarr
(2nd daughter of late Ray and Elvera Hietbrink)
Judy and Family,
Sending my deepest sympathy for the loss of Ron. I hope that you find some comfort in knowing that he is in a better place now. I’m so thankful that I finally got to meet him in person at Aunt Elvera’s 90th birthday party. May the Lord be with you and comfort you during this difficult time.
Sincerely,
Cousin Susan
To Ron’s Girls-
My sincerest condolences to you. He truly was such a memorable man. He will forever be close watching over his beautiful legacy. I know you will continue to share many stories to his younger darlings so it will feel as they know this larger than life gentle man.
Sending you all a heartfelt hug and continued prayers.
❤️
Trina
Dear Judy Ronalee and Mary
So sorry to hear about Ron. Our family has many nice memories of your family
Sending hugs and lots of love ❤️
Suzy
Mary and family I am so sorry for your loss. From all the stories I’ve heard you lost a wonderful man. My heart goes out to all of you. Prayers and hugs to all.
Dear Judy, Mary, Ronalee and family,
We were sorry to read of your husband and dad’s passing away. Please accept our sympathies and prayers.
Love Kathy and Roland Frank
I never met Ron but if he was anything like his beautiful daughter Mary he was a great human being he certainly raised one. So very sorry for your loss our sincere condolences.
Pat Charron