June 28, 1935 - July 25, 2015
Ronald Dean Poshusta passed away on July 25, 2015, with his wife at his side, at the Good Samaritan Care Center in Spokane, WA, from pneumonia following a stroke. He was 80 years old. He was born in Calmar, Iowa, on June 28, 1935, to Joseph Herman Poshusta and, wife, Florence Hazel (Aaby) Poshusta. His parents moved to Boone, Iowa, when Ron was a young boy and he graduated from Boone High School in 1953. He went on to college and received his Bachelor of Science in chemistry from Iowa State College in 1957. In January of 1963, he received his PhD from the University of Texas at Austin and then held a PostDoc position at Keel University in England. In 1967 he joined the faculty at Washington State University as professor of chemistry and was recognized as a distinguished educator while researching theoretical physical chemistry until retiring in 2001. On August 14, 1970, Ron married Caryl (Achenbach) Burke. They were married in Ames, Iowa, after which Ron moved Caryl and her 3 children to Pullman, WA. In 1971, their son, Joseph (Joe), was born. The family moved to Colfax, WA, and lived there for 22 years during which time Ron served a term on the Colfax School Board of Education. Among his many interests were astronomy, photography, art history, literature, sailing, and the world around him. Ron was a loving father and husband and enjoyed the fruits of his garden and cooked many fabulous and memorable family dinners. He took a class in cake decorating so that he could make a beautiful 50th wedding anniversary cake for his parents. He then was asked to make wedding cakes for 3 of his four children. After the children left home, Ron and Caryl moved back to Pullman where they remained for the next 15 years. After retirement Ron and Caryl moved to Spokane where they enjoyed attending Spokane Symphony concerts and various theatre productions. Ron loved working in his woodshop and making home brew with his sons. Ron was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife, Caryl, at their home; 4 children: Lisa PoshustaGregory (Ft. Collins, CO), Neal Burke (Pullman, WA), Paul Poshusta - (Spokane Valley, WA), Joe Poshusta (Broomfield, CO); 13 grandchildren; his brother, Joel (Dallas, Texas); and 2 nieces. Cremation has taken place. A Memorial service will be held at a later time. Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or The Good Samaritan Society. Community Cremation & Funeral - Spokane Valley - 13127 E. Sprague Ave, Spokane Valley, WA 99216, (509)926-2020 - Communitycremationandfuneral.com
