Ronald E. Postma's Obituary
Ronald Edwin Postma, also known as Ron, Ronnie or Whitey, passed away on 11/22/22 at the age of 75. He was able to be at home with his wife, his two sons, his daughter, and his daughter in-law by his side.
Ron was born October 23, 1947 in Hull, Iowa. He would spend the next 23 years in Rock Valley, Iowa. He attended Christian elementary school through 8th grade but because of his love for sports he attended the local public high school. He excelled in both baseball and basketball and was recognized as an outstanding athlete throughout the area.
After high school he enlisted in the National Guard and then was called to active duty into the Army. He believed it was because of his baseball skills that the army chose to keep him on the baseball team rather than send him to Vietnam.
After leaving the Army, Ron headed to California, where he lived for the next 52 years. He worked for the County of San Diego Road Department for 30 years until retiring. He lived in Escondido, where he met his wife, Judy. The two were married on 2/22/75 after knowing each other less than a year. Their love story continued for the next 47 years.
During the early years of their marriage, they enjoyed snow skiing, riding bicycles, jogging, and attending church together. Ron played on numerous church and city basketball leagues, with Judy faithfully watching him from the stands. He became known as one of the better players in the area.
Ron and Judy had their first son Jeremy in 1981, son Kelby in 1985, and daughter Brittany in 1986. They enjoyed a very busy family life with sports, church activities, beach trips, Wild Animal Park Friday night concerts, and family vacations to Iowa. Ron loved and supported his children. Sharing his love for sports with them he coached all three through the years in basketball, baseball, softball and soccer. He also had a special love for preschoolers and volunteered to help with Sunday School off and on over the years.
Ron retired at the young age of 55 allowing Judy and him the opportunity to travel. He loved visiting his many nieces and nephews in Iowa, playing sports with them, watching them play, and spending time with them on the family farm.
Ron and Judy traveled mainly in the US. They also visited Canada and made one trip to Europe, visiting Holland.
A year after visiting Holland Ron became sick and on 6/17/20 was diagnosed with a cancerous Glioblastoma brain tumor. The surgeon gave Judy the grim news of an 18-month average life expectancy. Judy shared this with Ron reminding him that God had a plan for him and that it would be God’s perfect timing, and not the doctors.
Ron fought hard over the next 2 ½ years with his family and friends supporting him with lots of love and prayers. There were many radiation and chemo treatments, along with doctor appointments, ER visits and hospitalizations but Ron very seldom complained.
During this time of sickness, he was blessed with a surprise granddaughter, Kinsley Postma. She brought much needed joy and smiles to him, especially during the harder days.
But on 11/22/22 his body was tired, and he was ready to meet his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Ron is survived by his wife Judy, sons Jeremy and Kelby (Nicole) and daughter Brittany (Dan) along with 4 grandchildren and brother Vern (Mary) and sister Diana along with many nieces and nephews.
There will be a celebration of life on Monday, December 5, 2022 from 2:00pm – 6:00pm, with a special time of sharing at 4:00pm, at Kelby Postma’s home: 11434 Kaywood Circle, Escondido, CA 92026. Please come dressed comfortably and informal – you can even wear your favorite cap - as Ron would have liked.
A private family interment will take place at Miramar National Cemetery with Military Honors.
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