Today is one year since the day I got the horrible news of your death. You're still in my mind daily, and at practice I can still always hear your voice. After your death I honestly wanted to quit skating, but I knew that is not what you wanted. And I am so glad I didn't. It's been a new and rough experience this year without you, but I'm doing the best I can and I hope you would be very proud.
For years I skated to make you proud because of your constant need to make me the best I can be, and I wanted to prove to you I could "be the best". But after your death I had to grow up real fast, and learn to skate not only for you but for myself. And then I learned that was your only goal from the start. I'm upset I couldn't experience my first year at World's with you since that is what we worked for my whole skating career. But I had a great coach, and I'm sure she's who you would of wanted to take me on and continue my skating.
I will never be able to think about skating without you in mind since you were the one there for me for me since I was 6 years old; my entire skating career. I hope to be remembered one day as you are remembered and loved by so many people. You really have no idea of the huge impact you have made on others, especially me.
Love always and forever,
Jessica Feuerstein
Memories Last A Lifetime / Roxanne Marsh (Daughter) Dad, It’s been a challenging holiday season. I know you’ve been with us in spirit, however, I missed hearing you poke fun at mom and asking me how school is going. As the holidays have come and gone, there have been so many thoughts and memories of you that rush to my head. Memories of you splitting up the shaving cream fight Shawn and I got into during elementary school (I never saw you so mad). And of you inviting our teachers/counselors/librarians to local skating meets (you were so proud of us) and many of them actually coming. What about that Magic Basketball Game we went to. Just you and I. I had no idea who any of the players really were but you made me become interested in it with your excitement and narration of what was going on (you always were a loyal basketball fan). You were excited about what you did and always did what you thought was right. You have always been calming to me and gave me the confidence I needed in skating and in life. I will treasure all the memories and keep you in my heart. I love you dad.
Thank you to everyone who has said such nice things about my dad. It has been truly comforting.
Always thinking of you !!! / Nancy Jellse (Wife) Well Ronnie you can finally rest easy. Jessica has finished skating at the World Meet so your season is officially over. I know how very proud you are of her after all the years of preparation that have gone into her skating. Our league meet was last Sunday and the club did well. As usual Terry made sure all the last minute details were done and kept everyone on their toes. Shawn is putting together a DVD of our family tree. We have photos back from when grandma and grandpa Lessard were just babies up thru today, (some of these pictures must be 100 years old or more) so we'll be able to add on as we go and pass it down from generation to generation. You know we've been so lucky, the number of people that we can call friends is overwhelming. Do you know that George has sent me a card every week, without fail, since you've been gone, Kathy calls often and I think she's become my counselor, Peggy and Sue regularly check to see how things are going and there are a lot more. At the rink, I'll hear someone say, "Well, Ron used to do this or Ron would always say that," and I feel comfort in the fact that they aren't afraid to talk about you. Time is passing so fast. I can't believe the holidays are here already. Roxanne and Darren are busy making arrangements for Thanksgiving, which I know will be wonderful and at the same time so loney because your chair will be empty. It's just like when we go visit you and one of us starts talking about the Season and all the festivities that go on at this time of year, it's just so hard to hold it together knowing that you won't be here with us. So, I'm depending on you to help us through the Holidays. Just know that I'll always "Love You" and think of you with everyday that passes ..... as always, I'll See You In My Dreams !!!
Hard to believe another Nationals has begun without you being with us. We know you are there in spirit watching over each event. Such a loss not having you here with us. Nancy is with us now. She's doing well, working hard with her figure skaters. You'd be so proud of her, just as you would be of each member of the Reflections Club. Bob has worked patiently with me all season. So often he tells me to do something and I tell him "that's exactly what Ron told me to do." You'd think I'd get it right . . . Knowing you wish us all good luck and your final word, more "Hollywood Production"! God Bless. Love, Irene
The perfect waltz jump / Darlene Styszko Bovee (former student )
I had the priviledge of taking freestyle lessons from Ron many years ago. I thought I was a pretty good competitive skater but quickly learned that I needed to get back to basics when Ron had me do waltz jumps for 30 minutes. How embarrasing! Why wasn't he having me do doubles instead? Surely I was capable. He wanted me to do the perfect waltz jump before moving on to the perfect axel, or the perfect single mapes before doing a perfect double mapes.
He taught me quite a lesson that day 40 years ago.
Nancy, Ron was my coach in Elyria, Ohio. I was so happy to find this web site as Ron had a siginificant influence in my life. My father died when I was 11 years old and my mother, a single mom after his death, managed to pay for the skating lessons and encouraged me to take from Ron. We lived in Toledo, Ohio at the time and she drove me from Toledo to Elyria,Ohio for lessons with Ron. I was never one of Ron's national champions's, but he treated me like one. I am now 56 years old, have been happily married 35 years and have two wonderful children. I have my MBA degree and have enjoyed a very succesfull business career. This is because Ron gave me the confidence to go out on that floor and skate...alone! I was proud that Ron was my coach. That fact alone gave me confidence.
He gave me a gift I have used throughout my whole life.
Thank you Ron! I know you can see this.
I am confident you have met up with my mother and father.
Your have been in my thoughts so much this week. This is the first birthday you've missed celebrating on this earth. We all know you are in a better place, but we still miss you so. This is a very difficult time for the club members going to Donora next week. We had so much fun with you at last year. Jessica came rushing into the rink to show you the picture of a snowman she made and captured on her cell phone. We all had to remove six inches of snow from our cars after leaving the rink. Of course, no boots, we're from Florida! We all had a great time sitting on the bleachers laughing with you. And within a week you were gone. This is Nancy's first trip to Donora. We know that this is a very difficult time for her as the anniversary of your passing approaches. We will all help each other do the best we can as that is what you expect. We talk about you at the rink often. We help each other and often say, "Ron taught me to do it this way or that way." I know you were smiling down on me recently when Bob finally got me to understand cross rolls. You tried so hard to get me to do them correctly. I still remember so many things you asked me to do but couldn't at the time. I wish you could see me skate now as you knew I had it in me. I still cherish the last words you said to me, "I can make you a champion." I know you're still encouraging me to gain confidence and skate strong. Not a practice goes by that I don't think of you and remember things you taught me. Bob will be with me at Donora, but I will carry you onto the floor in my heart.
You are still with me! / Tony Peck (Friend and student )
Ron was a magnificent man who taught me a lot about skating and life. When times were rough, Ron was right there with me to encourage and reassure me that I could do it. I will always remember at nationals last year when I blew the last turn on the first figure. I skated over to him and put my head on the wall and he said "well its not over but you are good enough to finish strong." Those words meant so much to me because he provided me with confidence and most of all knowing that he was behind anything I did. Ron has been like a grandfather to me and even when I went a few years without taking from him, we still kept in touch and talked about skating and sports. Ron was so excited about me skating World Class this year and I will miss his enthusiasm tremendously. I miss him so much already but I know that he is still with me yelling at me to "lower my hip" or "fix my head". This year I will do my best in skating for my coach, my mentor, but most of all my friend. Close
God Called U Home!!!! / Twila Robinson (former student and skating family )
Mr.Ron,
Even though it has been one year since u were called to HEAVEN UR MEMORY AND UR SMILE ARE STILL VERY MUCH ALIVE HERE ON EARTH!!! NOT A DAY GOES BY THAT THE MENTION OF UR NAME PUTS A SMILE ON SOMEONES FACE OR A MEMORY WARMS R HEARTS!!!
u WOULD BE SO PROUD OF NANCY AND UR SKATERS AS THEY ARE KEEPING UR MEMORY AND UR LOVE 4 THE SPORT SO ALIVE!!! i PUT IN THE TAPE FROM 2006 dONORA AND YOU WERE ON THAT TAPE DOING WHAT YOU LOVED MOST OTHER THAN UR FAMILY!!!
eVERY TIME WE ENTER A RINK OR AUDITORIUM UR ARE IN EVERY CORNER WITH THAT SMILE OF YOURS AND i HOPE EVERYONE WILL TAKE TIME ESPECIALLY ON THIS ONE YEAR OF UR PASSING AND BRING UR MOST SPECIAL MEMORY WITH Ron to mind and heart as that is the best way to honor him!!
We all miss u so much but ur spirit remains with us 4-ever and u live on through everyone whose lives u touched!! U truely put the defination in the word Angel!!!
May u rest in peace and continue to bless us in spirit!!! In r Hearts always!!! Twila Robinson
I skated from 1959 through 1968 in Michigan. The last couple of years I worked only on getting my Gold Medal in dance. I had gotten to a point where no coach seemed to have anything to offer me and I was stagnating. Then someone named Ron Jellse came to our rink. He was such an outstanding coach that he spread the wealth by traveling to different states to share his talent for coaching. I started working with Ron and eureka - - I felt myself improving again. What a wonderful teacher he was.
I gave up skating in 1968 and one of the main reasons was that the Board voted that year that a pro couldn't travel around the rinks, they had to teach at one rink only. At that time Ron was going to be at a rink in Toledo and a bunch of us talked about traveling from the suburbs of Detroit down to Toledo each week just to take from Ron. I quit skating for other reasons also and don't even know if anyone from my rink traveled to Toledo but my main reason for quitting was that if Ron couldn't teach me - - what was the point!
On a whim I typed his name into Google today and found this site and am feeling sad even though I haven't seen him in 40 years.
He was a great person in many ways and I am sure will be greatly missed.
To my teacher and my mentor - I will never forget you !!! / Jessica Feuerstein (Mr. Ron's Student )Read >>
To my teacher and my mentor - I will never forget you !!! / Jessica Feuerstein (Mr. Ron's Student )
Mr. Ron,
I know it has been over two months but it has been too painful to write this until now. Now that I have come to the realization that even though you're no longer here and you have impacted my life like no other, it was time to share my thoughts with you. You will always be in my heart, and never forgotten.
So many thoughts and tears have gone into this, and I could probably go on forever talking about the memories and everything you have taught me, but I won't. Everyone had memories with you, and no matter where you were or what you were doing you had a lesson for everyone, not just in skating. But with me, not only did we have that, but you believed in me like no one else. You were my mentor, my inspiration, and even a friend. We had a relationship like no other coach and student and that will never, ever be replaced. When I skated, I not only skated for myself, but I skated for you too. I always wanted to impress you, and I always cared deeply about what you thought.
I probably spent more time with you then I did with anyone else. When we were together I always learned something new from you. Not just in skating, but about life in general. I will apply the things you have taught me to my future schooling, my family, and most of all - my skating. I hope one day I can make a difference in people's lives like you have made in mine.
Christmas with Christ / Irene Johnson (Student)Read >>
Christmas with Christ / Irene Johnson (Student)
Dear Ron,
Our Club Christmas party wasn't the same without you there. We chatted about our favorite memories of you. Know that you are not forgotten, but held firmly in our hearts.
When we left the rink on Sunday I gave Nancy a big hug and tried to express my sympathy for how hard this holiday season must be for her. She tried not to cry, she tries to be so brave, but she loved you so and misses you beyond words. We all miss you, Ron. Knowing the spirit of Christmas and knowing you are in a better place doesn't help, we still feel such a loss in your absence. Merry Christmas and may God Bless your family. Love, Irene Close
Ronnie, the Nationals are over, everyone is home now and all is quiet. I know you were there keeping a watchful eye on all the skaters from the club and I'm sure they could feel your presence. I was so happy for you that Jessica made the World Team and thankful to Petra for helping her to finish the season. Bob, John and George came to the front and were a great help taking care of the other students, which I know you would have been greatly appreciative of. Wasn't that cute with Amy's picture on and in the program? She was so surprised. And, it was especially nice that a picture of one of your skaters was chosen to be in the program this year. You should see Lois Jean's little girl. She's cute as a button and doesn't have to be chased out of the office for her lesson like her mother. You know they dedicated the 2007 Nationals to you? I'm so proud of you and I'm sure you must be feeling pretty proud yourself. It was quite an Honor, but then you're quite a guy. Even though things are so different now without you, I know you are still here at home and at the rink. I can feel you like a comforting warm blanket and it's sooo calming. I will say I've gotten better about conversations pertaining to you as long as they don't get too involved. I work on it everyday, but then I'm sure you know that. On the lighter side..... I'm going to teach again this season and as a matter of fact I've already started with Ariana. Being that she's new I didn't want to wait with her. We're working on 7 and the 9's, and she's doing pretty good. She tries real hard. You picked another good one from the class. Guess who wrote to Jessica? Joey Bark! He told her some very nice things about you from when he skated and that you were a big part of him becoming a dermatologist. He also asked the whereabouts of Adolf and Linda, Jimmy Harmer, Suzanne Barkes and Cioni's. I sent him as much info as I could remember and thanked him for the kind words. Shawn and Rox are doing pretty good. We laugh and cry thinking of all the things you used to do and say. But I have to tell you that every time I look in the family room I see you sitting in front of the entertainment center with your headphones on listening to music and watching skating tapes. (which was always your favorite spot) So, with that said, "I love you and think of you constantly." See you in my dreams..................
I skated out of Edgewood Skate Arena in Lima, Ohio (retired in 1991) with Bob France as my coach.
Bob France also passed away this year of a heart attack.
I am just now learning of Ron's passing. I remember skating against his students long ago. Back then, he had a reputation that he was a Coach of Champions and his students were the ones to watch. They set the bar and the rest of us settled somewhere below that. He had my deepest respect at the time (and still does).
How very sad for the skating world to have lost two life-long, dedicated coaches in the same year.
With my own coach's passing, it made me realize that my skating friends, parents, and coach were really part of a large unique family. Many of us came together in re-union to say our final goodbyes to someone whose influence on our lives extended beyond the roller rink.
He was the patriarch of that family and even though I was long retired from the sport, it left a hole in my heart that I did not expect - a finality that there really won't be anymore skating lessons, achievement tests, or competitions where Bob was by my side to lend a proud hug no matter how good or bad I skated.
To those students of Ron Jellse, I understand that hole you are feeling. To his family, I won't even pretend to understand.
Finally, I will leave you all with a challenge... I challenge all skaters at their next competition to look around to all those involved, skaters, judges, coaches, referees, announcers, parents, and the rink and competition operators and look at them not as strangers and competitors who you are trying to beat. Look at them as part of an extended family.
After all, we share in our love for the sport of artistic rollerskating that jumps over the boundaries of our rinks, our regions, and even our national boundaries.
Embrace your sport and all involved. I know I do.
And since I consider us all part of a large family (on wheels no less), I consider you my "skating cousins". So sad that we have lost these two great family members.
Hope you were watching . . . / Irene Johnson (Student)Read >>
Hope you were watching . . . / Irene Johnson (Student)
Dear Ron,
Sunday our Club held a fundraiser for Jessica's trip to World's. Vickie and Curtis did an outstanding job of putting together show numbers and exhibitions. There was a DJ, raffles and a bake sale. Lots of kids and fun by all. But you were missing. The countless hours you worked with Jessica to attain this goal, and you're not here to help her through this major competition. Petra will be with her and I know you will be in Jessica's heart. Love, Irene Close
As expected, Nationals was not the same without you there. From the moment I got to the civic center, I kept looking for you in the ready area. You were always there, working with someone. Every video tape I have of Nationals going back to my first in 1986 has you standing in the ready area. Now it's John Peck I see. You would have been so proud of him. I requested that Dominic play "My Way" as a tribute to you as it's on this web site. He did during Bill's Premier Solo event. It was the last event of the Nationals and a fitting way to end a Nationals dedicated to you, a legend in our sport. Miss and love you, Irene Close
Thoughts of Ron / Ellen Petuck (Former Skater )
I am only now reading of Ron's passing. I find myself suddenly taken back to the late 60s-early70s, skating against his great skaters, like Jane, and so many others over the years. To me, Ron was the ultimate in coaches... someone I could have only hoped to skate for. He displayed the ultimate in class and sportsmanship to so many over the years. This is truly a loss to the sport and to the world. To his family, you are in my thoughts and prayers. Close
Ron Jellse Memorial Tree / Irene Johnson (Student)Read >>
Ron Jellse Memorial Tree / Irene Johnson (Student)
Dear Ron, Today the Reflections Club, parents, and your dear friend John Peck gathered outside our rink near a maglolia tree we planted to remember your life. As we gathered around the newly planted tree, we all held a cup of soil. Each of us took our turn to pour the soil over the base of the tree and talk to the others about what you meant to us. We all cried, Ron, we all miss you so. Bob has been designated to tend the needs of the tree to enable it to grow. He's working with all of us to prepare for Nationals. You'd be so proud of what Bob is accomplishing with the knowledge you passed on to him. I'm sure as each of us stands in the "pit" this Nationals, we will all bow our heads and say a prayer of thanks for all you've given to each of us. We miss you, Ron. Love, Irene Close
Mr. Ron's method of persuading other's... / Nancy Phillips (Student)Read >>
Mr. Ron's method of persuading other's... / Nancy Phillips (Student)
took patience and endurance. No time are we more reminded of that than between Regional's and National's, when Mr. Ron always expected everyone, child or adult to practice, practice, practice.
Mr. Ron you would be so proud of Bob Dalton who has stepped up to the plate sharing his volumns of knowledge that you taught and instilled in him, on the expertise of being a first class dance coach. You would approve of all that he and your Nancy have done...and yes, those "grueling" fundemental classes are still going!
Recently I was reminded what Mr. Ron had told me, around this time last season. Be clear in your own mind about exactly what you're after. Practice, practice, practice, so that you are fully prepared under any conditions that are presented before you. Be persistent in your goals. Enjoy what you are doing. Keep your sense of humor and never take yourself too seriously. Thank you and Peace ~ Close
The Gift / Joe Hart (Just A Friend )
Dear Nancy,Roxanne Shaun, I visit Ron's Memorial often.. It simply tells a Story. A story of love,friendships and of a very kind and caring man. The Man Ron Jellse..
He gave himself to all,not with jewels,money,ect. But his kindness,knowledge,friendship and most important his Precious Smile.It's worth Millions. He would want none of us to be sad,not a single one of us.But to smile and carry on in his Fashion.The torch has been handed down.It But must be kept lite. The Stars have came out. It was a thrill to sit and watch Ron coach at Donora and Nationals. As all the Coaches. But Nancy, when he returned to the seats.Thats when he smiled "The Absolute Most". He would sit beside you. I know,I was there, Across The Rink. He had what i was told by a friend,"The Gift' Thank you Jellse Family for sharing with all of us. Close
Tributes and Condolences
