Ronald J. Mowry

Rock Rapids, Iowa Ron Mowry age 62 of Rock Rapids, IA died Tuesday, October 18, 2011 at his home surrounded by family. Funeral service will be 10:30 AM, Friday, October 21, 2011 at the Immanuel Lutheran Church Rock Rapids with Fr. Leonard Kayser and Rev. Dan Kordahl officiating. Burial will follow in the Riverview Cemetery in Rock Rapids. Visitation will be Thursday, October 20th from 2:00 to 8:00 PM, with the family present from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at Jurrens Funeral Home of Rock Rapids. Ronald Joseph Mowry was born September 28, 1949 in Mitchell, South Dakota to John Robert Bob and Rita (Kayser) Mowry. He was raised on a farm near Epiphany and went to school from 1st through 11th grade in Alexandria before graduating from High School in Canova, SD. On August 11, 1969 Ron entered the United States Army and served his country in Vietnam, serving as a combat engineer. He was honorably discharged on August 1, 1975. Ron married Kathleen Marks on September 30, 1972 in Mitchell, South Dakota. They lived in Montana for a few years, before moving to Rock Rapids, IA. Three daughters were born to this union, Lisa, Laurie and Leann. The couple divorced in 1981. On March 5, 1983 Ron married Deborah Reck and they made their home in Rock Rapids, IA. Two daughters were born to this union, Shane and Deidre. Ron worked as Foreman at the Jansma Cattle Company for thirty years. He then worked at Sioux Automation for two years as a welder. Most recently Ron worked at Midland Machinery. Ron was a member of the Van Anne-Field Post No. 6960 VFW and the Rex Strait Post No. 103 American Legion. He also was a member of the Rock Rapids Gun Club and served as secretary for several years. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, trap shooting, NASCAR, rodeo and trail rides with his brother Monte. Ron will be remembered as a private, honest and hardworking man who enjoyed a simple life. He adored his family, especially his grandchildren. In August of 2011 Ron was diagnosed with cancer. He passed away this past Tuesday, October 18, 2011, with his family by his side. He is survived by his wife of 28 years, Deb Mowry; five daughters, Lisa (Jason) Johnson of Sheldon, IA, Laurie (Curt) Knoblock of Rock Rapids, Leann Mowry of Sioux Falls, SD, Shane Mowry of Colorado and Deidre Mowry of Rock Rapids, IA; and four grandchildren, Nathaniel and Aricson Knoblock and Nicole and Claire Johnson; sister, Elaine (Mike) Mentele of Fulton, SD; brothers, Mel (Beve) Mowry of Alexandria, SD, Dale (Debbie) Mowry of Fargo, ND, Roger Mowry of Stephenville, TX, Monte (Nancy) Mowry of Owatonna, MN and Tom (Denise) Mowry of Virginia Beach, VA; sister, JeanAnn (Pat) Wibben of Mitchell, SD; brother, Marvin Mowry of Alexandria, SD; and sisters, Karen (Kevin) Twedt of Spencer, SD and Mary (Todd) Boettger of Owatonna, MN; mother-in-law, Verna Reck of Rock Rapids, IA; brother-in-law, Ed (Denise) Reck of Rock Rapids, IA; sister-in-law, Nancy (Dale) Sharon of Fairview, SD; and Peggy Reck; many nieces, nephews and other extended family. Ron was preceded in death by his parents, Bob and Rita Mowry; and father-in-law, Edward M. Reck.