Ronald Jepsen

Ronald Carl (Coach) Jepsen



July 11, 1942, to March 13, 2023



With a heavy heart, we announce that Ronald Jepsen, coach, brother, dad, and grandfather, died Monday at 80.



On July 11, 1942, Ronald was born in Phoenix, Arizona, and was the oldest child to Carl and Marjorie Jepsen. Ronald's brothers, Dale and Dean, were born shortly after, and the family of five lived in a small house on Mulberry Street, in Phoenix.



Ronald always excelled in sports. He lettered in football and track at West High. Ronald shined at the shot put and discus. His superior skills earned him an athletic scholarship at Phoenix College. After two years at Phoenix College, he moved on to the track team at Arizona State University.



Ronald graduated from ASU with a bachelor's degree in education. In the mid-1960s, he began teaching and coaching at Frank Borman Junior High. His love for sports continued through his teaching years as he started the wrestling program.



In 1972, Ronald began teaching at the brand-new Thunderbird High School. In addition to coaching the wrestling and football teams, he taught Physical Education, systematic conditioning, and driver's education. He spent the rest of his teaching and coaching years as a Thunderbird Chief.



Coach Jepsen is most known for his success as the head wrestling coach for the Thunderbird Chiefs. He had a consistently competitive wrestling program. He led his team to multiple division team championships, and his teams were always in the top ten at the State Tournaments. He also coached and mentored numerous individuals to become state champions. Coach Jepsen was a well-known coach in the wrestling community.



Sports were not the only love in his life. Ronald met his first love on July 10, 1976, when his daughter, Kelly, was born. Ronald's commitment to fatherhood far surpassed his role as a coach.



In 1980, Ronald met his next love, Gloria Seagoe, and her children, Sharlotte and Eric. Ronald and Gloria had a blossoming romance and were married on November 7, 1981. Together they raised their three children in a loving and nurturing home.



Ronald's proudest moments were when his grandchildren were born. Ronald's grandchildren were his heart and joy- there is no denying that. His grandchildren--Olivia, Alex, Ava, and Aubrey--were the people that he loved and cherished. Time spent with Grandpa was extraordinary for his grandchildren.



Ronald will be lovingly remembered by his daughter, Kelly, Sharlotte, and Eric; four grandchildren, Olivia, Alex, Ava, and Aubrey; his brothers, Dale and Dean; and his numerous nieces, nephews, extended family, and dear friends. Ronald was preceded in death by his wife, Gloria.



A Celebration of Ronal's life was held on Saturday, March 18, 2023, at the First Presbyterian Church of Wickenburg.



Ronald will always be remembered as a loving coach, brother, husband, father, and grandfather. But more than that, he will be remembered for what he always was: a man able to give a part of himself to everyone he met. Now he is only that, a beating pulse in the center of every person he touched, unlocking us and giving us strength, joy, and life. We love and miss you.



"For all of your time



And your heart and your soul



You deserve a lot more than a toast



So here's to you, and we'll hold you in



Our hearts therewith



The things that matter most



We'll never forget you, COACH."



-Lyrics for Coach by Kenny Chesney