Life and Legacy

of

Ronnell Marquis Grixby

“CHUNK”

Ronnell Marquis Grixby was born April 16, 1989 in Omaha, Nebraska to his loving parents, Ronald M. and Evelyn J. Grixby. Ronnell was given the nickname “Chunk” by his two older brothers, DeAntae and Cortney. He accepted Christ at age six, and was baptized at Greater New Hope Missionary Baptist Church where he was a member of the youth choir and served as a junior usher.

Growing up, Ronnell was a very happy, loving and curious child who knew no stranger. His smile was infectious, and his laugh was contagious. When it came to sports, he was fearless and competitive. Ronnell idolized his older brothers and shared a special bond with them. They were inseparable from childhood to adulthood. Growing up as the little brother was not always the easiest, but proved to be rewarding as he watched his brothers’ many accomplishments as student-athletes and their involvement in the community. Ronnell learned from his parents and brothers that success in both academics and athletics required hard-work, sportsmanship, respect and good character. It didn’t take long for Ronnell to emerge from the shadows of his brothers by establishing his own identity as a champion. When he was in “Beast Mode” he was unstoppable on the field and the court. He went on to win three straight State Basketball Championships and one State Football Championship during his time at Omaha Central High School (Omaha Central). Ronnell’s individual accomplishments while at Omaha Central included being selected for the All-Division, All-Metro, and All-State Teams in both basketball and football. He left Omaha Central as one of the All-Time Leading Scorers, which was exemplified by his selection into the 1,000-Point Club in basketball. Ronnell doubled this up when he was also selected into the 1,000-Yard Rushing Club in football.

Ronnell and Cooking were a perfect marriage! His love and compassion in the kitchen were comforting. Ronnell’s aspiration and love for cooking began at an early age when he grew up watching his mom prepare meals in the kitchen, and his dad on the grill. His first experience with cooking was on the George Foreman grill, where he made a hot sauce burger. This burger quickly became a fan-favorite of his brothers and friends. He was always putting his own spin on recipes and using his family as taste testers. Ronnell’s creativity in the kitchen was unmatched and masterful. His journey with cooking included catering events, cooking at Lonnell’s Southern Delight, and serving as Lead Cook for Creighton University. At his time of passing, Ronnell was the Kitchen Manager at Addy’s Sports Bar and Grill.

Ronnell was very passionate about mentoring and coaching youth. Early in his work career, he assisted with activities for children ages six and older at the LaFern Williams South YMCA. He also mentored children in grades Pre-K to 6th grade with the CLC-Dream Foundation at Hartman Elementary School. His passion for youth later evolved into working as a role model and Direct Support Provider for Kevin Williams Counseling, PC. Circling back to his Alma Mater, Ronnell began volunteering as coach for the Omaha Junior Eagles youth football team.

Additional corporate employers on Ronnell’s resume include: University of Nebraska Medical Center (Parking & Bookstore), Gallner & Patterman Law Office, Baxter Chevrolet, Gregg Young Chevrolet, Rusty Eck Ford, and Spec Building Materials; all located in Omaha, Nebraska.

Ronnell loved fatherhood. Watching his sons excel in school, their characters evolve, their sportsmanship and social skills develop made him smile and proud. Spending quality time with his sons was always the best whether it was cooking, playing games, or enjoying a movie night. He was excited to watch them participate in athletics. Such excitement and commitment to fatherhood is what primarily led him to volunteer as one of their coaches for the Junior Eagles football team.

Ronnell’s early academic career included attending Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. (Primary) Elementary School, Jesuit Academy, and Monroe Middle School. After graduating from Omaha Central High School in 2008, he attended the University of Nebraska-Lincoln before enrolling at The Institute for the Culinary Arts at Metropolitan Community College in Omaha, Nebraska.

He enjoyed life and lived life to the fullest as a loving son, brother and devoted father. He loved his family, his friends and being a good steward to all who knew him.

Ronnell received his wings and is flying high! He is preceded in death by his grandfather Joseph Davis, Jr. Family left to cherish his life and legacy are his loving parents, Ronald (Ron) and Evelyn Grixby, brothers DeAntae (Shannon) Grixby, of Spring, Texas; Cortney (Shakilah) Grixby, of Omaha, Nebraska; sons Zy’Air and Cayden Branch-Grixby and Damari Branch; girlfriend and mother of his sons, Kiana Branch; grandmother Bertha Davis, nephews TaeVyn Grixby, Yasir Grixby, Yohan Grixby, Mikel Nared and niece Nyla Grixby; aunts, uncles, cousins and a host of other family and friends.

Visitation: 5:00 to 7:00 PM Friday, August 20^th at Roeder Mortuary, 4932 Ames Ave.

Funeral Service: 9:00 AM Saturday, August 21^st at Bridge Church, 3223 N. 45^th Street with viewing from 8:00 to 8:45 AM.

Interment: Mt. Hope Cemetery, 7601 Military Ave.

 

Emmy L. “Penny” Wilcox   01/07/1927– 08/15/2021

Age 94 – Born in Beatrice NE. to Frederick E. and E. Martha Paul
Preceded in death by parents and brothers Edwin, Ralph and Raymond.
She is survived by brother Richard (Jeanne) Paul of Tempe, AZ. and sister Marilyn (Earl) Mitchell of Norfolk, NE.
She married Edward L. Wilcox, established residence in Omaha, and had three children Stephen (Kathie) Wilcox of Mankato, MN., Richard (Teri) Wilcox of St. Louis, MO., and Patricia (Brent) Blau of Springfield, NE. She has three granddaughters, Jenna (Tray) Ridlen, Jacksonville, AL., Rachelle (Tim) Nummela, St. Louis, MO., and Nessa Blau, of Springfield, NE. She has three great grandchildren, Cason, Tommy and Margaux.
Penny graduated from Beatrice High School, and attended Clarkson College of Nursing in Omaha, NE., receiving her R.N., B.S.N. She practiced Nursing at Bishop Clarkson Memorial Hospital, and later became a nursing instructor at Clarkson College, focusing on psychiatric nursing. She obtained her Masters Degree at University of NE., Omaha. and then began her counseling career at the Richard Young Outpatient Clinic. She later started her private practice at Systems Associates In Omaha, NE.
Penny was actively involved in church at Lutheran Church of the Master in Omaha, NE. She sang in the choir, was a Stephens Minister, and taught Bible Study classes in to her late 80’s.

Penny will be interred at the Voss Mohr Cemetery in Omaha NE.                                                                                                                                        Memorial Service Saturday (8/21/21) at 11:00 AM at Lutheran Church of The Master 2617 S 114th St. Omaha, NE.                                            Memorials Lutheran Church of The Master 2617 S 114th St, Omaha, NE 68144.

Roeder Mortuary, Inc. – Gretna Chapel

11710 Standing Stone – Gretna, NE

402-332-0090 www.RoederMortuary.com

November 16, 1989 – August 11, 2021

On August 11th, 2021, Sergio Ramirez, beloved husband, father, son, brother, friend passed away unexpectedly from injuries sustained in an automobile accident.

Sergio was born in Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua Mexico to Guadalupe Ramirez and Jose Ramirez. He attended Omaha Burke High School. On August 7th 2010, he married Fatima Sanchez and together with his daughter Jayslynn led a life of every day adventure.

Sergio lived life to the fullest, never shying away from an opportunity to chase a dream. On the weekends, if he was not on the shore casting a few lines with his family, you would find him coaching and cheering for his daughter at her softball games. Sergio was known for his infectious smile, unmatched charisma, and his fortitude to always do the right thing.

Sergio is preceded in death by his beloved older brother Jose. He is survived by his wife, Fatima; daughter, Jayslynn; parents, Guadalupe Ramirez and Jose Ramirez; brothers, Saul, Eliseo and sister, Viris and many cousins, nieces and nephews.

Visitation: Friday, August 20, 2021 from 4:00 – 7:00 PM at mortuary.   Funeral Service: Saturday, August 21, 2021, 10:00 AM at Roeder Mortuary, 2727 N 108th Street, Omaha, NE 68164.  Please direct memorials to the family.

Roeder Mortuary – 2727 N 108th Street, Omaha NE 68164 (402) 496-9000 – www.RoederMortuary.com

 

3/27/1947 – 7/31/2021

Age 74 – Born in Burbank, California to Franklin J. and G. Mildred Mang.

Preceded in death by parents and in-laws Robert and Luana Scheidt.

Survived by brothers Edward J. (Jessica) Mang and William C. (Barbara) Mang and sister-in-law Tobyann (Alan) Ellis, and loving wife of 52 years Robin (Robbie) Mang, as well as a host of friends, relatives and golfing buddies.

Doug graduated from Mark Morris High School in Longview, WA and was appointed to the US Air Force Academy. He graduated from the Academy on June 4, 1969 and married his beloved wife two days later. He served in the Air Force, flying B52s and B1s among other aircraft, for 26 years. Upon retiring he spent 26 years in aviation business development, retiring from The Boeing Company April 2021.

Doug will be interred at the Air Force Academy Cemetery at a later date.

Memorial service will be held on Thursday August 19th, 2:00 pm Roeder Mortuary Chapel, 2727 N 108th St. Omaha.

Memorials May be sent to:  Order of Daedalians, Curtis E. LeMay flight, Douglas Mang Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 13195, Offutt AFB, NE 68113

Roeder Mortuary, Inc. – 108th Street Chapel – 2727 N 108th St – Omaha, NE – 402-496-9000 www.RoederMortuary.com

 

 

2/14/1949 – 8/9/2021

Omaha – Jerry was born to Marian and George Witte of Valley, NE, where he joined his brothers John, George,
and sister Judy. Jerry loved hanging out with his brothers, hunting and fishing around the Platte River
area. In high school he began running track. He excelled at hurdles and earned the nickname Go-Go.
He continued running, bicycling, and walking throughout his life. Jerry was also talented at drawing
and painting. He attended Omaha Art School after high school. Upon graduating art school, he took a
job with Northwestern Bell as a graphic artist. He worked for the phone company (as it changed names
& owners over the years) until he retired at age 52. Post-retirement, Jerry found other jobs to occupy
his time while waiting for Doris to retire.
Jerry married Doris in 1978 at St. Timothy’s Lutheran Church in Omaha, NE. They built their first
home in Ponca Hills, then lived in Raven Oaks, and built their final house in Ponca Hills; where Jerry
enjoyed his deck with a view of the Missouri River.
They were blessed with a son, Robin and daughter, Angela. After work, Jerry spent his evenings
playing games and reading stories to his children. He instilled a strong work ethic, generous nature,
and loving spirit in his children. He enjoyed attending his children’s athletic and musical events
throughout their time in high school and college.
The family attended Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church where Jerry served as an usher and sang in
the choir.
Jerry loved to travel. As a child, his parents took their family on many cross-country trips. He loved
hiking in the mountains and walking on the beach. He made many trips to Colorado, California, South
Dakota, Mexico, and other tropical locations.
Jerry was diagnosed with cholangiocarcinoma at the end of April 2021. He fought extremely hard to
stay with us. He passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by family.

Survived by wife Doris, children Robin (Noelle) Witte, Angela (JB) Ferguson, grandsons Liam, Oliver, siblings George Jr. (Cathy), Judy Chard, family and friends.

Visitation Thursday (8/19/21) 5:00 – 7:00 PM at Roeder Mortuary. Memorial Service Friday (8/20/21) 11:00 AM  at Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran 6201 N. 60th St. Omaha, NE. Memorials to Cancer Research Institute.

 

Roeder Mortuary, Inc. – 108th Street Chapel

2727 N 108th St – Omaha, NE – 402-496-9000

www.RoederMortuary.com