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Obituary

Ron E. Hull

May 30, 1930 - April 20, 2023

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Ron E. Hull, 92, of Lincoln, died peacefully on Thursday, April 20, 2023. He was born in Rapid City, South Dakota on May 30, 1930. He was the adopted and only child of Darrell C. and Nettie F. Hull. Ron was drawn to music and theater his whole life. Ron graduated from Rapid City High School, obtained a B.A. in Speech and Drama from Dakota Wesleyan, and acquired a Master of Science in Television from Syracuse University. He also received a Doctorate in Education from the University of Nebraska, Lincoln.

Ron married Naomi K. Hull in 1953 at the United Methodist Church in Highmore, South Dakota. His brother-in-law, Phillip Kaye, officiated. Ron and Naomi moved to Lincoln, Nebraska in 1955 where Ron began his broadcasting career at the University of Nebraska Educational Television Station.

From 1966-67, he served as a television advisor to the government of South Vietnam to develop public television for the Vietnamese people. In 1979, he was awarded a Presidential Commission by President Jimmy Carter. He served on the Committee on the Arts, John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. Ron served as the Director of the Program Fund at the Corporation for Public Broadcasting in Washington D.C. from 1982-1988. Between 1988 and 1996, he served as the Manager for KUON-TV and Associate General Manager at the Nebraska Educational Telecommunications, now called Nebraska Public Media. In 1999, he was awarded a Fulbright Scholarship to teach International Broadcasting in Taipei, Taiwan.

Ron was passionate about Nebraska history, and he regularly gave speeches about famed Nebraska writers John Neihardt, Mari Sandoz, Willa Cather and actress Sandy Dennis. His infectious enthusiasm was evident to everyone who met him. Ron’s thirst for adventure took him around the world many times, building a network of close friends and colleagues. These diverse cultural experiences and connections accentuated his innate yearning to understand ALL people. He assimilated these perspectives and used his remarkable talent as a gifted storyteller to educate and inspire everyone. Ron was an incurable optimist and brought out the best in others. His charisma and laughter were contagious.

Family was the most important part of Ron’s life. Saint Paul United Methodist Church was an integral part of Ron’s and Naomi’s community engagement. His life story was chronicled in his autobiography, Ron Hull, Backstage: Stories from my life in Public Television, published by the University of Nebraska Press, 2012.

Ron is survived by his three sons, Kevin (Becky) Hull, Ocala, FL, Brian Hull, Lincoln, Brandon (Linda) Denver, and daughter, Kathryn Hull, Lincoln. His grandchildren include Cassie Hull and Kaylie Hull, Portland, Nora Robinson, Lubbock, Andrew Hull, Denver, Evan Hull, Chicago, Eliza Hull, Denver, and Christopher Penas-Hull and Allison Penas-Hull, Lincoln.

A Celebration of Ron’s Life will take place at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 29th at Saint Paul United Methodist Church, 1144 M Street in Lincoln.

Memorials in lieu of flowers to Saint Paul United Methodist Church, Mari Sandoz Heritage Society, or the People’s City Mission.

Link to view Ron’s Service: https://www.facebook.com/SaintPaulUMC/videos/958504758486306/

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Service

April29

Celebration of Ron’s Life

10:00 am CST

Saint Paul United Methodist Church

1144 M Street, Lincoln, NE 68505

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July 21, 2023

Dear Hull Family, A nudge tonight brought me to Ron’s obituary and I’m so sorry you have lost your Dad/Grandfather. And your beautiful Mom/Grandmother earlier. I worked for your Dad at Channel 12 in two old houses before we became Nebraska ETV and of course, before we moved into the new building! I was a continuity and information writer, and then wrote the tour script for the tour guides at the new building. My memories of Ron were that he was moving around all the time, always with a smile! He wasn’t my direct supervisor, but it was evident that he influenced so much of what happened at the station/network. My deepest sympathy to you all!

– Susan Ayres Smeloff Herman – Naperville, IL
May 1, 2023

I will miss the jovial and interesting person that was my friend, Ron Hull. May his memory and that of his beloved Naomi, be always for a Blessing.

– Brenda Friedman Ingraham
April 29, 2023

We are sorry for the loss of Ron. He was an amazing person and Steve enjoyed seeing him at work, where he was just a week before his death. His dedication to Nebraska and public media was evident to all those around him

– Kathy & Steve Exon
April 27, 2023

Ron Hull was truly Nebraska’s human asset. He was our Cultural Ambassador to the world. He was everyone’s friend and advisor. Ron made things happen. He was wonderful to have a conversation with….. Everything he touched….improved! My friend….rest in Peace!

– Allen Beermann
April 27, 2023

Dear Hull family, Please accept the most sincere condolences of Louise and me upon the passing from this life of Ron. He was a Nebraska, even a national treasure for his broad contributions to education and the arts. Those of us who were fortunate enough to know him were always inspired by his optimism and enthusiastic embrace of new ways to bring educational and cultural enlightenment to the broader public. I admired him in so many ways. Knowing his interest in American history and his organizational and leadership skills I asked him to chair the my Nebraska Lewis & Clark Bicentennial Commission legislation I had prepared for enactment by the Nebraska Legislature. Despite his very full schedule, he agreed and, ably assisted by the Vice Chairman, Larry Ruth, they creatively led a very broadly supported lengthy celebration in 2003-04, that was capped by a multi-day celebration at Historic Ft. Atkinson, the site of L&C’s Council Bluffs. For their effort, as a commission they were awarded a special prize by the Nebraska State Historical Society, and true to his nature Ron even commissioned the creation of an orchestral number as part of their legacy. For Ron, it was just one more example of stepping up to create a legacy for all Nebraskans who want to learn more about our national history. Unaware that he was hospitalized, I e-mailed Ron as recently as April 19th to confirm that I would, as promised, to his Senior Singles group on May 24th and asked for his suggestions. He replied immediately with those good suggestions and voiced optimism that he would beat this latest health setback. Two days later I pick up my Lincoln paper to learn he has passed away! But isn’t that just like Ron, optimistically meeting commitments to the very end of his life. To the Hull family, although you will undoubtedly miss Ron among you, you have every reason to take great pride and satisfaction in his amazingly diverse accomplishments and the kind of caring human he was. May God bless and comfort you. Ron’s friend and admirer,

– Doug Bereuter
April 26, 2023

Well, my memories of Ron come through the close relationship he and None had with my parents, Howard and Barbara Dinsdale. It was apparent from the first meet that he was a special man. From the start, I could see clearly his heart for people, and his intelligence, which he never lorded over others. And his humor! My husband and Ron hit if off later down the road. Boy, the two of them could carry on a conversation! Also, Ron has been a sweet friend to my mom in her older years. Ron left such a legacy! And Hull kids, do you remember you guys and me taking piano from Mrs. Ravnan?!

– Nancy Dinsdale (Rovenstine)
April 26, 2023

I met Ron in 2000 when I was selected to serve as the Executive Director for Nebraska’s newly established Lewis and Clark Bicentennial Commission. My anxiety regarding that new assignment was quickly put to rest by Ron’s cheerful, optimistic character. In the years that followed we shared many fun adventures and personal reflections, building many great memories that I treasure and will long reflect upon. Time traveling together allowed for sharing of his many life adventures and travels, a few glasses of very good wine and abundant laughter. Ron became a dear friend, and I considered him an esteemed mentor as I called on him many times for trusted perspective. Linda and I are better people by knowing Ron and we will miss him dearly. Cheers to you Ron for a life well lived, may you rest in peace.

– Jim & Linda Swenson – Greenwood, NE
April 25, 2023

I am not able to attend the memorable service for Ron. I always enjoyed visiting with him. He was always supportive of work at UNL that supplied dedicated young broadcast graduates. He helped teach several classes in the program. I also knew Ron at NETV. His dedication to public broadcasting was amazing. He supported every effort to improve what was produced on North 33rd St. and out in the field. I also knew Ron as a friend. It was always a pleasure to visit with him, share a story or two and enjoy a friendly moment that always brightened my day. His influence and dedication to Nebraska public broadcasting, the state of Nebraska, and the well-being of everyone he touched will be sorely missed.

– Peter Mayeux (professor emeritus, UNL).
April 25, 2023

To the Hull family, Forty-five years ago I had an idea for what I thought might be a documentary series on Public Television. The series would be about little-known historic places hidden away in the American West from the time of westward exploration and migration. The rub was that I had no credentials as a documentary maker. Someone at PBS in Washington told me, “We don’t make programs, our stations do. You should talk with Ron Hull in Lincoln, Nebraska.” Ron not only responded to my proposal he responded with enthusiasm and soon became the chief mentor in a small group of mentors at KUON who guided me through the enjoyable process of writing, producing and ultimately filming the series. Then PBS picked it up for national broadcast. What an adventure! The gifts that Ron Hull gave me were the means, methods and people that allowed me to follow my curiosity in doing creative work. I’ll be forever grateful to him for that. I hope I told him often enough how much I appreciated it. Steve Robbins – St Petersburg, FL

– Stephen Robbins
April 24, 2023

I met Ron in the 1970s when I was helping to build the Iowa Educational TV Network. We both bonded more closely in our respective jobs at the Corp. for Public Broadcasting and then as consultants a number of times in Taipei as Taiwan built its educational TV system. Meanwhile we stayed in touch with each other via email and phone. Ron was a good friend, an advisor, and an especially good storyteller, a talent I admired and emulated over time. He is missed already.

– David J Brugger
April 24, 2023

Ron is a wonderful man with a very amazing life. I’m so glad God placed him in my life. I was his barber for years & enjoyed hearing about all of his experiences & adventures. I cherished his friendship❣️ I will miss you Ron & will see you again in heaven.

– Doreen Morton
April 24, 2023

Dear Brandon and Family, I was saddened to read about your Dad today. I know my Daddy sure enjoyed working with him and their friendship. I have great memories of your Dad, too, at functions where we’d all be together…he always had a big smile on his face, and he was so positive. I hope it helps knowing that your Dad touched so many peoples’ lives!! Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Please take good care.

– Diane (Gill) and Barry Williams Jacksonville Florida

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