I have belatedly learned of Ron's passing. Ron and I go back to college at Wayne State. He and I used to switch off heading up the Young Democrats while there. Later we joined forces again on his first run for the Nebraska Legislature. We lost by like 16 votes, but he was shortly thereafter appointed to the seat when it was vacated. He was such an incredible mentor to me and still ranks as my most respected politician ever. Calm, cool, and always prepared. My deepest condolences to Diane and the family. God bless!


Ron was an office holder who had an unwavering vision of what is good for citizens.  He was an intelligent able leader.  The world is a better place for him having been here.  Our sympathy to Diane, Suzanne and Justin.

Both Ron and myself started our classroom teaching careers in the early 1970s.  Although we taught in different suburban districts, it was may honor to collaborate with Ron on his "best practices" advice in teaching high school government.  His students benefited from the extra strong emphasis he put on teaching the "legislative process" and the all-important time consuming simulations he led on how a bill becomes law.  Through this experience, he taught his students the thinking skills, research methods, coalition-building, compromise and other factors that differentiated effective legislation. With his encouragement, UNO's political science department largely adopted his model in sponsoring a model unicameral/student congress competition that  several schools participated in.  Through simulations, he truly prepared Papillion-LaVista High School students for effective participatory citizenship.

RICHARD D. BROWN
Millard High/Millard South
1973-2009

I count my friendship with Ron among the many pleasures of my life.   We worked on many political issues together and I still believe we were on the right side on all of them.  We didn't always agree on details, but I always knew that he was supportive of the big picture for education. When Ron gave his word on something, I knew I could count on it.  He was a singular, outstanding advocate for public education, from elementary school to the university.  My fondest memories were the informal, end-of-the-day debriefings.  Peace to the family.  And thank you for sharing Ron.


Sen.Withem and I were seated in close  proximity in the Ne Unicameral, and I preceded  him as the UofN lobbyist.  We were good friends.
I always admired his ability to retain  a good sense of humor even  while projecting intensity on very serious  subjects-a talent that seems  to be in short supply  these days!
Our Sympathy to you Diane,Suzanne and Justin
Lee and Kay Rupp

Ron Withem was a friend and a mentor.  He sat in the desk right behind me in the legislature until he left to take a job at the University of Nebraska in 1997.  He was always fun, witty, knowledgeable, familiar with the issues, and very strategic in his thinking.  He was an excellent Speaker and an excellent legislator.  He had a large influence on education policy in this state.  Diane, thank you and Suzanne and Justin for sharing Ron with the state and for helping him to serve.  It was a pleasure knowing him.

My heartfelt sympathy goes out to Diane and the family.  We had good times at Papillion High and Ron was a special individual, great teacher, and good friend.

I had the privilege of working with Ron on various external relations committees associated with the university over the years and always appreciated his thoughtfulness and wit. He was always so kind and appreciative of everything we did to support our great university system. Like others have said, the university is a much better institution because of Ron's longtime dedication and service.

Ron was a teacher of mind which I had great respect for. Ron also was my official score keeper and one of the assistant coaches when our sons played baseball. I have the fondest memories of our days of coaching. Our deepest sympathy goes out to Diane, Susan and Justin and all the family.

I served in the Nebraska Unicameral from 2001-2007 so my time there did not coincide with Ron's service in the Legislature.  However, I did get to know him later when he represented the University of Nebraska.
Ron was always helpful and forthcoming in all of his communications with me and I appreciated the opportunity to work with him on issues of mutual concern.  It became very obvious why he was so highly respected in his public service.
My prayers are with Ron and his family as they grieve his passing.


I got to know Ron when I was a member of the School Finance Review Commission that he co-chaired in the late 1980s. He was an outstanding leader: caring, kind, smart -- and funny. Later, when I wrote several books about the Unicameral, Ron was an excellent source, generous with his time and insights. 

Senator Withem was the epitome of a good public servant and a fine human being.  Nebraska will miss him.

Charlyne Berens, Lincoln

Rest in Peace, Ron. I enjoyed working with you at the Legislature and at the University. Thank you for your excellent service to our state.

My sincere sympathies.  I enjoyed working with Ron over the years at the Capital and around Sarpy County.  Respectfully Tom Richards. Bellevue

OBITUARY

Ronald Eugene Withem

June 9, 1946 – May 28, 2020

Kahler-Dolce Mortuary

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Celebration of Life to be held at a Later Date