Ron passed on June 30, 2021. He was born September 18, 1944, the son of Charles A. and Thelma ”Connie” Stevens.
Ronnie graduated from Urbandale H.S. in 1962. Three days after graduation, he boarded a train with his buddy Stan headed to the United States Marine Corps in San Diego, CA. Sergeant Stevens was a Vietnam Veteran and a jet power engine technician. Ron was a tire builder, supervisor, foreman, and dept manager at the Des Moines Firestone Plant for over 21 years. Ron moved to Alcoa, TN to work as production manager at BTR Rubber Co. for 5 years, and then moved to Roanoke, VA to work as plant superintendent at Yokohama Rubber for 3 years. Ron finished his career as plant manager at BTL Industries in Greeneville, TN, where he retired after 14 years.
Ron and his loving wife Shelia met in 1989 and married in 1990. They loved the 20 years they spent in Greeneville, TN on Shiloh Road near their church. Ron was a deacon at Shiloh Cumberland Presbyterian Church, a Mason of the Scottish Rite, a Mason of the York Rite, and a Shriner (Shriners International). He was also a member of the VFW, American Legion, Marine Corps League, and the NRA.
Ron loved his Mustang convertible and his hot rod truck. He enjoyed watching NASCAR racing, Iowa Hawkeye Football, and he was very proud of his Norwegian heritage. Hvil i fred.
Ron was preceded in death by his dad Charles Arnold and is survived by his mom Connie, his wife Shelia (he loved Shelia), his brother Jim Stevens of Des Moines, his son Michael (Suzy) Stevens of Urbandale, his daughters Shannon (Matt) Melcher of Norwalk, Lacey (Dave) Skalicky of Norwalk, Nicole Churchill of West Des Moines, his grandson Tyler Skalicky currently at Fort Lewis, WA, and his dog Rocky.
A military funeral service is scheduled for Monday, July 12th at 9:30 A.M. at the Iowa Veterans Cemetery (at Van Meter), 34024 Veterans Memorial Drive, Adel, IA 50003.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to the American Heart Association in honor of Ron would be much appreciated. (https://www.heart.org)
