Obituary of Ronald G. Norgren

Ronald G. Norgren, 66, of 2811 Route 394, Ashville, died Monday, December 28, 2009 at Millard Fillmore Gates Circle Hospital in Buffalo. He was born April 19, 1943 in Jamestown, a son of the late Gordon O. and Ethel Derkacz Norgren and graduated from Jamestown High School in 1961 where he was a member of the varsity football team, played baseball and basketball and was also an avid tennis player. A Vietnam veteran from 1963 to 1967, he served as an Airman 1st class in the 6947th Security Squadron of the US Air Force and was stationed in Crete, Greece and Key West, FL. Ron attended Alfred University School of Ceramics and in 1969 graduated from Jamestown Community College. He then graduated in 1971 from the State University of Fredonia with a Bachelor of Science degree in mathematics and taught math in the Jamestown and Southwestern schools for several years. For over 30 years, he operated Strip n' Finish in Jamestown, refinishing and restoring antique furniture. He also ran antique shops in Western New York, including most recently Carriage House Antiques in Great Valley. A member of Lakewood United Methodist Church, he had also belonged to the Jamestown Chess Club, Lakewood Kiwanis, AMVETS and Lakewood Rod & Gun Club. Throughout his life Ron enjoyed deep sea fishing whenever possible. He was also a devoted Buffalo Bills and Sabres fan, whether winning or losing. Ron will be greatly missed by his wife and family, especially his granddaughter who was very close to her 'Papa'. Surviving is his wife of 43 years, Gay Maria Johnson Norgren whom he married August 13, 1966 in the Lakewood United Methodist Church; a daughter, Michelle Lynn (Timothy) Wissert and granddaughter, Jordyn Wissert of Elgin, IL; a son, Andrew Thomas Norgren of Buffalo; a sister, Beth (Kent) Black of Statesville, NC and brother, Kent Norgren of Falconer, NY; and many nieces and nephews, including Jody (Darren) Williams of Edinboro, PA, Krista (Mark) Scholeno of Moravia, NY, Leslie and William Black, both of Statesville, NC, Eric (Korry) Johnson of Lawrenceburg, IN, Chris (Jamie) Johnson of Okeana, OH and Stephanie Johnson of Twinsburg, OH. The funeral will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, January 2nd in the Lind Funeral Home. The Rev. Violet A. Davidson will officiate. Burial will be in Sunset Hill Cemetery. Friends will be received from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday in the funeral home.