Ronnie Vernon
May 28, 2022
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Service Details
Ron Vernon, 74, passed away peacefully at home on May 28, 2022. He was born April 15, 1948, to Russell and Iona (Rasmussen) Vernon in Jefferson, Iowa, and grew up in Guthrie Center until he was 5 when his family moved to Des Moines. Ron attended North High School where he played football and ran track. He graduated from the University of Iowa in 1970, and the following year he was married to Judy Ann Jones.
Ron was employed at Bankers Life/Principal Financial Group for 41 years, retiring in 2011. Ron was active with the Premier Credit Union, serving in various capacities on their board for 43 years. Following retirement, he worked part-time as an usher for the Iowa Cubs.
Ron was very involved in athletic organizations. He was a big supporter of the University of Iowa, including as a football season ticket holder since 1979. He also took great pride in the numerous teams he coached over the years for his sons’ teams, including soccer at Northwest Soccer and baseball teams at Beaverdale Little League. He was also active with the DSM Hoover Booster Club. Ron ran AAU basketball tournaments for over 20 years, and served on the board of Iowa AAU. He worked in the pressbox for DSM Hoover football, was a Hoover basketball scorekeeper, and worked at the score table for Drake University mens and womens basketball. He was also a season ticket holder for the Iowa Wild. In addition to sports, Ron enjoyed spending time with his grandkids, bowling, and horse racing, trains and railways, and traveling.
Ron is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Judy Vernon; sons, Ryan of West Des Moines and Randy (Courtney) of Gilbert, AZ; grandchildren, Gabriel, Riley, Elizabeth and Sophia; brother, Ralph (Trudy) Vernon of Charlotte, NC; sisters-in-law, Jan (Don) Stapp of Carlsbad, CA and Sue (Chuck Dunbar) Breen of Klamath Falls, OR. He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins, as well as other loving relatives and many friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Russell and Iona (Rasmussen) Vernon.
Visitation will be held Sunday afternoon from 3:00-5:00 p.m., at Hamilton’s near Highland Memory Gardens, 121 NW 60th Avenue in Des Moines. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, June 6, 2022, at the funeral home with burial at Highland Memory Gardens Cemetery and reception to follow.
In loving memory of Ron, memorials may be directed to the University of Iowa Foundation, PO Box 4550, Iowa City, IA 52244 or University of Iowa Hospital (www.UIHC.org).
Online condolences may be expressed at:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Luanne Inderski
10/17/2022
Judy, I just learned of Ron's passing from the Principal Retiree newsletter. I'm so sorry and sad for you and your family! Ron was such a warm and friendly guy, I loved working with him years ago, then occasionally running into him and catching up. What a nice and funny man! :) He will be missed!
Deb Coffin
06/08/2022
Judy & Ron's family. So sorry for your loss. I too lost my husband of 49years in December 2021. It's been almost 6 months, so just take it a day at a time. Rely on your memories together. It does get better, but is not easy, but does take awhile. Take Care Judy.
Brian Larson
06/05/2022
Ron
Made a huge impact on Hoover High School, especially noticeable with athletic programs. A gentleman who was usually first to speak and loved Hoover basketball. He was a man of service in so many areas, I wish his family and friends prayers and condolences. I enjoyed knowing him and being a friend.
I know he will be missed.
Carolyn Whitlatch
06/04/2022
My prayers and deepest sympathy to Judy and Ron's family. Ron was the best guy ever. I went to North High School with Ron, knew him at our years working at The Principal Financial Group and then served with him on the Principal Retiree Steering Committee. We had such a good time, and I will miss his smile and endless efforts in helping to plan the retiree events. Rest in peace, my friend.
Carrie and Steve Haigh
06/04/2022
So very sorry for your loss. He contributed so much and will be missed by many people. All of you are in our thoughts and prayers. The Haigh Family.
Linda M Wallace
06/04/2022
Dear Judy and Family, My husband Scott and I were saddened to learn of the passing of Ron. He and I worked in the same department for many years. We remember the time you and he hosted a holiday party in your home; we had a great time. I will miss his presence at the Credit Union.
May he live on at Principal Park, Linda and Scott Wallace
Mary Young
06/03/2022
So sorry to hear of Ron's passing worked with him for many years and always appreciated him. Sad thoughts of his passing with good memories of Ron.
Todd Jacobus
06/03/2022
Deepest condolences to the family of Ron Vernon. I have been seeing Ron at Hoover High School for a wide range of activities for what seems like decades. Ron was a tireless supporter of Hoover HS, sports, activities, and student-athletes. I am very happy to read all of the other activities in which he was involved. He truly gave a great deal to his community. #RIP - You will be missed.
Jon and Shirley Leinen
06/03/2022
Judy and family. Our sympathy for the loss of Ron. He was such a nice guy. I have fond memories of working with him. Most recently we had a nice visit while he was working at Iowa Cubs. Our thoughts and prayers are for Ron, you and your family.
Brian & Denise Valentine
06/02/2022
Judy & Family,
So sorry to hear of Ron's passing. He will be missed by many. We always enjoyed talking to the two of you when we crossed paths. You're in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.
Kayla Vaskis
06/01/2022
Judy, please know my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Ron was was a very special person to me especially in my early years at PFG. Both of you helped guide me me along the way ❤🙏
John John
06/01/2022
Judy
I am so very sorry to hear of Ron's passing.
It was always fun to run into Ron at work as the conversation quickly turned to sports- be it Hoover or Drake or the Hawks. It was a good stress reliever to talk with him .
Thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during his difficult time
Donna R McGrean
06/01/2022
I am so very sorry for the loss of Ron. He was a great friend and co-worker. He will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with the family. Rest in peace, Ron.