Ronald W. Carlson
Ron was born September 23rd, 1956 in Tacoma, Washington to Orlo (Pete) and Verlene Carlson. After a brief battle with lung cancer, he passed away November 5th, 2025 at St. Elizabeth’s hospital.
Soon after being born, Ron moved with his parents to Lincoln, Nebraska, where he spent all 69 years of his life. His childhood was defined by achievement in sports, including football, baseball and bowling, and as an older brother to his three siblings, Tony, Scott and Connie. He graduated from Lincoln High School in 1974 after receiving multiple letters for football and baseball.
In the years to follow, Ron joined the Lincoln Fire Department in 1977 and spent the next 37 years of his life serving the city of Lincoln. At the fire department, he made great friends that lasted throughout his life and they were often found on the golf course and in the club house for hours after.
Despite Ron’s commitment to the fire department, his interests in his personal life were what truly drove him. He loved being active in nearly every facet of his life. He rode his bike around Lincoln daily after an active morning at the gym. He enjoyed doing yoga – which people in his stratosphere never heard the end of. He also loved literature, sports – including his beloved Arsenal FC – and always said that “it’s important to workout your mind, body and soul.”
Despite his busy life, where Ron truly succeeded in life was raising his son, Shea. He was always so proud to be Shea’s dad and their unique relationship was often remarked on. The duo traveled throughout the United States, catching sports games at every turn. Over the 36-plus years he was Shea’s father, he passed on his love of sports, literature, art and an active life to Shea – the yoga, however, didn’t stick.
Ron is survived by Shea, his siblings Tony (Nancy) Carlson, Scott (Janet) Carlson, Connie (Tony) Peterson, his nieces, nephews and their children and the countless lives he impacted outside of his immediate family.
A celebration of Ron’s life will be scheduled at a later date.
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.
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Condolences for Ronald W. Carlson
It broke my heart to hear of Ron’s passing. Ron was always such a joy to see daily at the Y. He always had a smile on his face and something nice to say. The world has lots a true gem.
“Another Lincoln High Job Well Done.”
So sorry to hear of Ron’s passing. He was always positive and just a great guy. My condolences to his family. Rest in Peace.
I’m so very sorry for your loss, Connie. Prayers to you and your family. 🙏🙏
We are so sorry to hear of Ron’s passing. He was a mentor to Bill at Station 5. Shea, I don’t think we’ve ever known a prouder father of his son, than Ron was of you. He was a true gift. Bill & Teresa Moody
We were saddened to hear of Ron’s death. We were blessed to reconnect at the Y. Besides all of his amazing accomplishments, he was a beloved uncle to our kids. We couldn’t come into Lincoln without stopping at the fire house to see Uncle Ron. He was a blessing to all he encountered. Rest in peace! Thiellen Family
I worked with Ron at fire station 5. I remember his love of reading. He was a good cook. I have never seen anyone eat more mashed potatoes! Good memories. RIP
Gone too soon, Ron shared his kindness, joy and ease for life with everyone on the trails and at the Y. I’m grateful to have known him.
Ron and I were able to get to know each other over the last several years at the YMCA. Each day I see Ron come to the Y for Yoga or just to get a cardio workout in. I recall a time when he shared his son was around that he was coming with him, Ron’s face lit up as he shared this story. I could tell immediately that Shea is so very important to him. I continued to see Ron at the Y and he had a story for me or just a smile as he was enjoying the day. I will miss those interactions and small acts of encouragement. I was blessed to know Ron in these brief moments.
The countless lives he impacted outside of his immediate family, of which I’m proud to say I was one of them.
Ron was an incredible man, generous with his time & his wisdom, & never said no to a drink with Shea & I – even though it would have possibly been wise to do so! But I think he always knew that quality time & conversation was to come with it, that soul enriching stuff & time with Shea that he loved.
He’s going to be missed so incredibly, but his spirit for life will be remembered & carried forward by those of us who were lucky enough to experience it.
Ron was a special man .. so clever, kind, funny. I was heartbroken to learn he was ill and saddened he left us so quickly. I was better to have known him.
Rest in peace brother.
I am saddened to learn of Ron’s passing. He was a great guy, I always enjoyed catching up with him.
My condolences to his family.
I met Ron many years ago at Uncle Sam’s. He was a good dancer and a very kind gentleman.
I have thought about him many times as the years have gone by.
Bless you Ron. RIP
Jene
My earliest memories of Ron was watching him play legion baseball with my brother. I was fascinated by his agility and speed. I think about all of his years as a first responder EMT firefighter. Always a welcoming smile at station 5 and an amazing cook. His spaghetti sauce was truly the best! He was a calming presence on countless EMS calls. My last contact with him was on the bike trail next to the bike kitchen a couple months ago. It seemed we had the same loop schedule and he was never in a hurry and always had time to chat. He described his riding style as “la-ti-da”. Lastly, Ron showed me what it looks like to be a proud father. I’ll see you down the road Ron!
We worked with Ron’s Dad, Opie, at the Air Guard, met Verlene and the kids many years ago. Keith played golf in the Men’s City tournament and Ron caddied for him when he was a teenager. That was also the first time Ron drank a beer. Needless to say, his mom and dad were not happy with Keith. When Keith was working at Holmes golf course, he ran into Ron a lot when he was playing with his buddies. We know he was a great cook, because we sampled some of his soups.
We offer our sincere condolences to his son, Shea, and all of his siblings and their families.
Our condolences to you Tony and your family. Take comfort in your happy memories.
Ron was a great mentor to me on the job. He always had a great sense of humor and was always willing to help the younger generation of firefighters. He will be missed.