Ronald B. Lewis
Ronald Bryan Lewis, 65, of Altoona, passed away peacefully after a courageous and brave battle with cancer on July 24, 2019, at Iowa Methodist Hospital.
Visitation was Sunday, July 28, at Lutheran Church of the Cross, Altoona.
A celebration of life service was held Monday, July 29, at Lutheran Church of the Cross, Altoona.
Ron was born June 12, 1954, in Fort Dodge, to Raymond and Beverly (Burger) Lewis. He graduated from Fort Dodge High School in 1972. Ron then went on to graduate from Iowa State University with a Bachelor’s degree in German, International Studies and Economics. He enjoyed learning so much that he further continued his education at University of Dubuque where he received his Master’s Degree in Business and Spanish.
He married DeAnne, the love of his life on Nov. 23, 1974. They enjoyed almost 45 years of marriage and so many memories in that time. One of their favorite things to do was drive around, check places out, and buy gifts for their grandkids. Ron loved to plan trips and they made it to 48 states while showing American Eskimo’s before having their strong-minded children.
Ron taught at a couple of schools, before landing at Guttenberg, Iowa where he spent 24 years teaching German/Spanish and Economics. If you would ask him, he would say he loved the coaching while teaching the best. He exceled at coaching many students in softball, basketball, track, volleyball, football, cross-country and last but not least archery. Ron left the education world in 2006 and entered the abstracting/business world. He loved working with his ladies at Linn County Abstract. He then transferred to the Des Moines office before ending at Warren County Abstract in Indianola as a manger where he learned many new things from his gals there.
Ron had many hobbies, but his favorite would be anything to do with animals, especially goats. He valued his title of “FFA Chapter Famer.” During his life Ron had, at various times: dogs, rabbits, cows, pigs, and goats. Ron was a farm boy at heart in a city boy’s body. He had a great work ethic but wouldn’t pass up the chance to attend a county or state fair sale barn.
Ron valued his family time dearly. He loved spending time with his grandkids whether it was going on vacations together, his favorite being the St. Louis trip, attending their many activities, or just playing games at home. He loved being their Opa and he will be very missed by them.
Ron is survived by his wife, DeAnne Lewis; children, Ronda (Matt) Pennekamp and Daron (Alison) Lewis; grandchildren, Kirstyn Pennekamp, Braxton Pennekamp, Lewis Pennekamp and Savannah Lewis; mother, Beverly (Burger) Lewis; three sisters, Karen Nelson, Cheryl (Gary) Spillman, Charlene (Dean) Austin; father-in-law, Dean Hoag; in-laws, Dean “D.G.” (Mary) Hoag, Richard (Sally) Hoag, Darcilyn (Dennis) Depenbusch, Debra (John) Knipper and many nieces, nephews and friends.
Ron is proceeded in death by his father and his mother-in-law, Doris (Nelson) Hoag.
Condolences may be expressed online at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.
