Elnora “Tip” Jeanette Ronnekamp, 86 of Gothenburg, passed away on June 5, 2026, at Stone Hearth Estates in Gothenburg. She was born on March 11, 1940, in Gothenburg to Bill and Elna (Franzen) Fleischer, and she lived a life marked by faith and devotion to family.
Tip grew up in the New Hope Community north of Gothenburg and attended New Hope School through the eighth grade.
She later attended Gothenburg High School, where she graduated in 1958 and was proud to have been a high school cheerleader and band member.
After high school, she continued her education at Grand Island Beauty School, preparing for a career that would allow her to serve others with skill and care.
On Aug. 13, 1961, Tip married Arlan Ronnekamp at Zion Lutheran Church north of Gothenburg. Together they built a life centered on family, hard work, and community.
Their marriage was a lasting partnership, and Tip carried her role as wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend with grace and strength throughout her life.
Tip began her working life by opening a beauty shop in Gothenburg and later operated one in the New Hope Community.
She also worked at Kampfe’s Department Store and Jensen’s Jack & Jill before beginning a long and dedicated career at Gothenburg State Bank.
A faithful Christian, Tip was a lifelong member of Zion Lutheran Church. Her faith was an important part of her life and guided the way she treated others.
She was active in Christian education as a Sunday and Bible school teacher. Later in life, she was active with quilting and enjoyed the fellowship and creativity that came with being part of that group.
Tip had many interests that brought her joy over the years. She loved flowers and had a special fondness for roses, peonies, and irises. She took considerable pride in tending her garden.
Growing up on a farm, she loved animals of all kinds. She especially cherished her dogs Dusty and Happy. She enjoyed cooking, canning, embroidery, bridge club, and cheering on the Huskers. These interests were more than pastimes to her, as they were ways she expressed care, patience, and beauty in everyday life.
She is survived by her husband, Arlan Ronnekamp of Gothenburg; her daughter, Tracy Tyler and her husband Barry of Creighton; her son, Kurt Ronnekamp and his wife Susan of Overland Park, Kansas; her grandsons, Cameron Tyler of Creighton and Jacob Ronnekamp of Manhattan, Kansas; and her sister, Roine Ballmer-Ecklund of Gothenburg.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Bill Fleischer, Jr.; her brother-in-law, Bill Ballmer; her sister-in-law, Eldene Ronnekamp-Nordin; and her brother-in-law, Norris Ecklund.
A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. on Thursday, June 11, at American Lutheran Church in Gothenburg, with Pastor Doug Hjelmstad officiating. Burial will follow at Gothenburg Cemetery in Gothenburg.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to American Lutheran Church or the Callahan Oncology Center.
Online condolences can be made at www.blasestrauser.com. Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Blase-Strauser Memorial Chapel & Monuments of Gothenburg.