Charles Ronald "Ron" Padavich, Jr.

Charles Ronald Padavich, Jr. 78, passed away Friday, September 10th, 2021.

Ron was born April 29, 1943, in Centerville, Iowa to Charles and Mary (Hayes) Padavich.

Ron was raised in Brazil, IA and graduated from Centerville High School in the class of 1961. After high school Ron joined the Air Force and was stationed in MS. After the service Ron moved to Des Moines where he met and married his lifelong partner Margaret (Woolheater) Padavich in 1967. Their union brought 3 daughters that he was very proud of. After the girls were grown Ron and Margaret enjoyed many local events and driving the countryside together.

Ron worked for Meredith/RR Donnelly for most of his adult life and after retiring held countless jobs to keep himself occupied. Ron enjoyed socializing and never met a stranger, staying active at both the Croatian Fraternal Slavic Center and the Izaak Walton League of Des Moines. Ron had many hobbies including hunting and fishing. He was an accomplished musician and loved entertaining family and friends and attending jam sessions. Ron also held a pilot’s license for many years and enjoyed taking friends and family flying. When not working, Ron’s heart was drawn to his home in Brazil, IA and the freedom from city life.

Ron is survived by his wife of 54 years, Margaret; daughters, Crystal Frederick, Vicki (Fred) Shafer, and Elizabeth (Chris) Bender; siblings, Rosalie (Russ) Halverson and Kathy Herbst; grandchildren, Justin Shafer, Megan Frederick, Julie Shafer, Maggie Frederick, Elijah Bender, and Xavier Bender; and numerous other loving family members and friends. He was preceded in death by his father, Charles, and mother, Mary.

The family will greet friends Sunday, September 19th, 2021 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Hamilton’s Funeral home 605 Lyon St in Des Moines, Iowa. Graveside services will be held Monday, September 20th at 2:30 p.m. at Oakland Cemetery in Centerville, Iowa.

The family respectfully requests masks to be worn indoors.

Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com

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