Donald William Ringenberg, 83, of Elwood, Nebraska, died Friday, November 2nd, 2012, at his home.

He was born March 3rd, 1929, in Frontier County on the family farm south of Eustis, Nebraska, to Henry A. and Jessie (Umberger) Ringenberg.

On June 6th, 1954, he married Ellen D. Miller of Gothenburg, Nebraska. She preceded him in death.

He was baptized and confirmed at Elwood United Methodist Church. Don attended rural school District 56 in Gosper County for his first eight years of schooling. He graduated with the class of 1947 from Elwood High School.

On July 8th, 1951, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. He and Ellen moved to the family farm southwest of Elwood. This would be Don's home until 2009 when Ellen suffered a stroke and they moved into Elwood.
After his retirement, he continued to raise yearlings in the calving pasture for a few years and spent his summer months as a crop adjuster for Farmers Mutual Hail Insurance Co. of Iowa.

Don was a member and past commander of Elwood Legion Post 290, past master of Masonic Lodge 167 of Elwood and past president of the Tri-County Shrine. He was a member of the United Methodist Church and served on the board of trustees. He was a Cub Scout and Boy Scout leader.

In addition to his wife of 53 years, he was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Max Ringenberg; and sister, Virginia Wheeler.

Survivors include his friend and companion, Millie Stagemeyer of Elwood; sons, Mark Ringenberg and his wife, Mary, of Fremont, Nebraska and Kurt Ringenberg and his wife, Denise, of McCook, Nebraska; daughter, Carol Lea Ringenberg of Lincoln, Nebraska; and five grandchildren.

Celebration of life was at 1 p.m. November 5th, 2012, at Elwood United Methodist Church with the Rev. Mary Fuller officiating and military honors by Elwood American Legion Post 290.

Private family burial of cremains were at Fort McPherson National Cemetery in Maxwell, Nebraska, before the service.

Elwood Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Memorials are suggested to the Gosper County Senior Center in Elwood and the Shriners Hospital for Crippled Children.

Visit elwoodfuneralhome.com to leave condolences and personal reflections.