Ronald L. Schomas

Ronald Lee Schomas passed away at Parker Nursing- Rehab Nursing Home on August 21, 2017, after a long battle with Lewy - Body dementia.

Visitation will be on Thursday, August 24th, from 4-7  PM at Gladfelter Funeral Home, in Ottawa. Funeral services will be on Friday, August 25th at 11:00 AM, at the funeral home with Rev. Duane Kaufman officiating.  The Ottawa Fire Department will perform the Last Bell Ceremony.  Burial will follow at the Waltham Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Rodney Schomas, Matthew Katrein,  David Katrein, Justin Nixon, Mike Hess, and Michael Schomas. Honorary pallbearers will be George Small, Dean Vaughan, Alan Wilson, and Randy Schomas.

Ron was born on August 16, 1940 to Ed  and Emma (Seibert) Schomas. He attended Ottawa schools, and graduated from Ottawa High School. He married Mary Lou Wilson on October 12, 1962 at the Waltham Presbyterian Church.

Survivors include his wife of (almost) 55 years, Mary Lou; a daughter, Debra (David) Katrein, of Englewood, Fla.: and a son, Rodney (Jane) Schomas, of Ottawa. Grandchildren are Jessica and Matthew Katrein; Justin (Mike Chiu) Nixon, Mindy (Cameron ) Wiley, Jenae (Ryan) Kennelly, and Mallorie (Jesse) Weygand. Greatgrandchildren Emma Leeanne, Collin, Madelyn, Max, Emma Lou, Cooper, and Carson (on the way) and a sister,  Ann (Wright) Rasmusson of London Ontario, Canada..

He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Martha (Robert) Trosper; and a brother, Ed Jr. (Mary Lou) Schomas.

Ron was a proud member of the Ottawa Fire Department for 26 years. While working at the department,  he also earned his riverboat pilot's license, and ran the excursion boats from Starved Rock State Park for many years. After retiring, he was a courier for the First National Bank, and The Pharmacy Stop.

Ron enjoyed curling, and golf, but most of all the time spent with family. He spent many an enjoyable time cheering on grandchildren and great grandchildren  in their extracurricular  pursuits. He especially enjoyed the family dinners at the holidays. He was 50 year member and past president of the Waltham Curling Club, and a proud member of the OTHS Hall of Fame 1958 football team. For many years he coached the Dr. Pepper women's softball team to many successful seasons. And he always enjoyed cheering on his St. Louis Cardinals, and the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Memorials may be directed to the Lewy- Body Association, to help in the fight of this disabling disease.