On December 27th, 2020, the world lost an extraordinary man in Ronald William Jungling (April 1946 – December 2020). Ron died at Memorial Hospital of COVID 19, compounded with other health concerns. Ron battled his health for 29 years; he is finally resting and at peace.
A true Okie at heart, Ron grew up in The Sand Springs Home, founded by Charles Page, with his sister, Joyce. He lived the life of a country boy: riding horses, fishing, hunting, and, as a member of FFA, raising hogs and chickens. Ron attended Oklahoma Military Academy, and spent 7 years serving his country as a Green Beret in the Army Special Forces. He served two tours in Vietnam. His first tour was with MACV SOG and a team of Chinese Nungs. His second was on a Special Forces A-Team. Ron was a HALO instructor, with jump wings in seven countries. He was a medic, engineer, and weapons expert. His stories were legendary.
After meeting his beloved wife, Patty, Ron left the military to start a family. He was the kind of father and grandfather, he wished every child could have and always put his family first. Ron earned a BA in Economics, worked as an electrical contractor, and owned his own electrical contracting company, before finding his true passion, teaching.
Ron believed that every child should have a happy childhood. He spent the largest portion of his life trying to give as many kids joy and happiness as he possibly could, and he changed many lives. Ron coached youth soccer and baseball before he coached Mitchell High School Men’s and Women’s soccer. He taught for many years at Mitchell High School in Special Education, History, and Economics. He was a mentor, a confidant, and a father figure for many.
Ronald William Jungling was honest, funny, loving, and larger than life. He was an avid golfer and motorcycle enthusiast. There is a bright light missing from this world, and while many hearts grieve his passing, Jungling had one amazing life!
Ron is reunited with his mother, Selma; sisters, Joyce and Sherry; and his home brothers, Herb Kelley and Jim Booze. He is survived by his wife, Patricia; his children, Alexandra Stuard and spouse Wyatte, Scott Jungling and spouse Stacie, and Camille Jungling and spouse Aaron; his grandchildren, Antonia, Jacob, and Veronica, his namesake; sister Valerie Hunter; and brothers-in-law, Fred Scherrer and Dennis Scherrer. We honor Laureen and her family, who, through the miraculous gift of a heart, gave Ron another decade with his family. We will be forever grateful to her.
Due to COVID 19, a private family Mass will be held with burial at Pikes Peak National Cemetery. Because we know that others would like to come together to remember Ron’s life, a memorial celebration will be held when the dangers of COVID have passed. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to CASA of the Pikes Peak Region, The Lupus Foundation, or The Arthritis Foundation, charities close to Ron’s heart.
“Think Right”
Mary Sue Breyer
1 Jan 2021The love you all share as a family is clear. Cami’s stories of him and his relationship with her, Pat and the rest of your family are incredible. My heart breaks for you all and I am sending you love and support.
Brendan Netherton
1 Jan 2021Coach Jungling was a ball of happiness mixed with a shot of caffeine! I never seen him without his contagious smile or those indoor soccer shoes on during my time at Mitchell HS. As a former student of his It was always a goal of mine to get him to say his famous phrase “Close your Books” just to hear one of his unbelievable life stories. My prayers and heart go out to his family, but I hope they also know their dad still lives in thousands of Marauders around the world.
Paul Bailey'
1 Jan 2021My heart goes out to his family. He was my best friend. I was greatly blessed to have had Ron in my life. He will always be in our hearts.
Anonymous
30 Jan 2021Paul , Ron was one true trooper who serviced his Country and very proud . He was a very fun person to play golf with, sure he is in a much better place.
Dana I Bailey
1 Jan 2021Ron Jungling was an amazing man. Everyone who knew him recognized his strength and determination. He was admired and respected and well loved. All of us will remember him. He left a lasting legacy for all his many friends and family. We will miss him.
Lauren Bates
2 Jan 2021I had the pleasure to be in his History and Econ classes at Mitchell. His voice was recognizable through the hustle and bustle of noise in the halls. He was a true story teller when it came to his life in the military. Yes, he would teach us, but he would give us life lessons. His laugh is forever comes to mind when I think of him. Rest Easy Ron! Until we meet again.
Angela Cronick
2 Jan 2021I loved working with him at Mitchell. He was a kind and funny human who made my years working with him memorable❤
Kate Fall
2 Jan 2021Sure going to miss Ron, he was such a kind, loving and funny man. When ever we would see him at BBQ’s or family gatherings he would always have a smart alec remark about my height or just love to have fun with me. He will be missed by all.
Katy Hansen
2 Jan 2021Ron was an absolutely amazing person. I loved having him as a teacher, a mentor, and peer. He was such a wonderful, kind, and generous soul. I looked up to him sooo much. I just hope that I can be 1/2 the teacher he was to so many. Ron thank you for all the great memories. My heart goes out to his family.
'Nick'
2 Jan 2021Ron Jungling was an exceptional human being and my friend. I will miss him.
God bless Ron and his family.
BECKY and Gary
2 Jan 2021Gary and I are so sorry to hear of your loss.
Gary really liked Ron, as they were both Good Southern Boys.
He will be greatly missed.
Bill Elston
2 Jan 2021Ron was a fellow teacher, golfer and most importantly a friend. We will miss his stories, his laughter and his physical presence. RIP my friend.
Jessica Mazza
3 Jan 2021I’m so sorry to hear of his passing. I had Mr. Jungling in HS and he made a lasting impression on my life. He told us war stories and let us know how much he loved having “milk and cookies” at night after dinner. The world lost a great man. My condolences to his family and friends.
Natalie (VanderBroek) Yungner
3 Jan 2021I am so sorry for your loss. I was friends with Ali at Irving and Mitchell and have great memories of Ron. I pray God will provide comfort and your fond memories will carry you through this difficult time.
Jamie Callaway
4 Jan 2021I am so sorry Scott for your loss. I can’t imagine how hard this is for you and the circumstances. Thinking and praying for you and your family. Sounds like a wonderful man with a kind heart for others. Love you…
William M Davis
5 Jan 2021Condolences. Ron was one of my best friends from the SSH. We did lose a very good man. I am praying for his family.
Amone Brice
7 Jan 2021I remember having Mr Jungling as my teacher back in 2005, I always thought he was the coolest man I ever met. There wasn’t a day that went by where he didn’t make learning fun, and one of his best quotes was ” Now if you find a way to fail in here…… It was litteraly because you didn’t write down the answers, my class is just to easy!!”. I wish I could have thanked him for all the advice that he had given me all those years ago. He will truly be missed, and my condolences go out to his family.
Jennifer Browne
8 Jan 2021Thinking of all Of you! I love Ron like he was my own dad! He was the most wonderful man and always was so loving and truly cared about everyone and helping them be the best they could be!
Allie Miller (Zamora)
11 Jan 2021Mr. Jungling was such an amazing teacher and an amazing human being. He was always up beat even when he was having a bad day. He never let that show. Mr. Jungling was someone who always looked out for his students. He was a great listener and took the time to understand each and everyone of his students. He was more like a grandfather to all of us then anything. I loved listening to his stories, he made school enjoyable. He is going to be missed by so many people. REST IN PEACE Mr. Jungling!!
Steve Stapleton
11 Jan 2021My condolences to the family. I played soccer for Ron in high school, and always appreciated his sense of humor, fair play, and hard work. Rest in peace.
Jenna Jennings (Ladefoged)
14 Jan 2021I’ll always remember at soccer practice- “See those trees, Ladies? Goodbye” (what he said to us when when he sent us to run laps.) What a great coach, mentor and human. I’m very grateful I was able to spend time with the Jungling family growing up. Sending condolences and love!
Erica Montalto
17 Jan 2021I remember those trees, great memory!!
Erica Montalto
17 Jan 2021Love you Coach!! Last time I saw you the summer of 2019 I was happy to hear you were fishing and golfing often! You looked amazing and giddy about your life and family. My family and I love all you amazing Junglings and look forward to celebrating Ron’s amazing existence in the near future. In the meantime I will keep his memories alive reminisicing with my sis, who he called “old lady” on our MHS ‘99 Varsity Squad. Thanks Coach for the great times.
Diane Mettler
4 Feb 2021Patty, my life was made richer by knowing Ron. My heart is with you all. In peace and love. Diane
John Browning
7 Feb 2021My heart is heavy as I just learned I lost another friend to COVID.
I was making an attempt to contact Ron to see if he still rode and would like to go with me this summer back to Pitkin and deposit the ashes of our friend Jeff Thomas there.
Both of those fellas loved the annual “Boys Ride” to Pitkin and Ron invited me to go on my first one 30 years ago. As I ride to Pitkin this year I will be thinking of Ron as I spread the Ashes of our common friend, Jeff.
R.I.P. my friend. I’m sorry I didn’t try to reconnect earlier.
Natisha Reed
21 Jul 2021I never thought I’d ever miss a teacher. But damn I miss you sir. I remember a sign you had and I tell myself frequently… you can’t soar with the eagles if you’re surrounded by turkeys!
jacob
17 Aug 2023im his grandson and i can say that he was the best person that you could have ever known, and when i read this i learned so much
may he rest in peace