"Ron had an amazing ability to make each person he met feel like their meeting was the best part of his day...every day, every time. It's beyond me how one man can be so selfless, positive, and kind, and have such a huge impact on the lives of so many, even after facing much loss himself. He has stored up many treasures in heaven! I am a better person for having had him in my life growing up, and to say he will be missed is an understatement. Much love to him and to the Malmberg family! xoxo"
In loving memory of
Ronald Wayne Malmberg
August 3, 2013
Ronald Wayne Malmberg of Shenandoah, Iowa was called home by his Lord and Savior on August 3, 2013 at the age of 72.
Ron was born to Harold Vincent and Hazel Jessie (Knight) Malmberg on October 30, 1940. He spent his youth on the family farm just outside Shenandoah, participating in 4-H and horsing around with his sister and brothers. He graduated from Shenandoah High School in 1959 and served in the Iowa National Guard for a few years thereafter.
Ron married Colene K. Ahrens on October 27, 1961 and had four children, Rhonda Renee, Patricia Ann, Jeffery Wayne and Julie Ann. They made their home in Shenandoah, where Ron was employed at Earl May Seed & Nursery, Shenandoah Sentinel, and eventually MidAmerican Energy Company where he made his career as a gas serviceman.
Following the death of his wife in 2002, Ron remarried to Diana (McKinnon) James in 2003. Ron and Diana enjoyed golfing, trips to Branson and spending time with their children and grandchildren.
Ron was a very devoted and caring husband, father and grandfather. He was also an active member of Trinity Lutheran Church serving many roles including teacher, elder and president of the congregation. He had a very strong faith and was an inspiration to all as he selflessly served others. He frequently visited the local nursing homes, delivering portals of prayer and bringing joy to many of the residents with his stories of faith and family. In his retirement, he delivered drugs for Jay Drugs and served as vice president of the local food bank.
Ron was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Paul and Stephen Malmberg, his wife, Colene, and daughter, Julie Malmberg, all of Shenandoah. He is survived by his wife Diana Malmberg; his daughter, Rhonda Elming, and her husband, Mark, of Johnston, Iowa; his daughter Patty Throne, and her husband, Steve, of Omaha, Nebraska; his son Jeff Malmberg, and his wife, Kelly, of Farragut, Iowa; his nine grandchildren, Storm, Taylor and Paxton Throne, Chelsea and Paige Elming, and Hunter, Dalton, Heidi and Dylan Kellogg; his sister, Shirley Hart, and her husband, Donnie, of Shenandoah, Iowa; his brothers, Glen Malmberg, and wife, Sandra, of Jacksonville, Florida; Roger Malmberg and his wife, Judy, of Audubon, Iowa; Darrell Malmberg of Omaha, Nebraska; and David Malmberg and his wife, Dana, of Omaha, Nebraska; and many nieces and nephews.
Ron was also beloved by his extended family Kevin James and wife, Carrie, of Ames, Iowa; D'Andrea Cooke of Clarinda, Iowa; Victoria Glenn and husband, Doug, of Lincoln, Nebraska; Diana's grandchildren, Aubrey Behrhorst and Samantha Glenn, great grandchild, Kamdyn Norris; and Kelly Malmberg's children Tabitha, Meagan, Jack and Trey.
In memory of Ron, memorials may be directed to Trinity Lutheran Church in Shenandoah
Tributes
"Rhonda, Patty, and Jeff, So sorry to hear bout Ronnie. He will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Brent and Cindy Anderson"
"Rhonda- My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this time of loss and grief. Peter Scanlon Woodland Park, CO"
"Over the years Ron and I would run into each other. Everytime he had a big smile and words for me. I'll miss his positive attitude and sunny attitude. "
"Julie, Patty, and Jeff...Was sorry to hear about Uncle Ronnie. Didn't hear of his passing until after visitation and service but wanted you guys to know that Brent's and my thoughts and prayers are with you."
"Diana and family. we are sorry for your loss. you will be in our thoughts and prayers"
"I was so sorry to hear of Ron's passing. He was a good neighbor for many years. It was always a pleasure to meet him and catch up on past events and present. Ron always wore a smile and had a warm greeting."
"Rhonda, Patty, and Jeff, I am so sorry to hear about your lose. Your father was such a very nice man. I will pray for you all."
"Rhonda, Patty and Jeff, Sorry to hear about your dad. He was a loving and caring man, always had a smile on his face and always made me smile. My thoughts are with all of you and your family. Robert"
"Diana and family: We are so sorry to hear of your loss. You and Ron seemed so very happy together. Dennis and Linda Warrick"
"Where to begin God made a special man when he made Ron. He was always there for our family whenever we needed him and never had to be ask.To be in his presence was always very calming and reassuring that God was in control and I pray that will be your experience now. He is in the arms of the Lord I am sure. "
"Diana and Family. So sorry to hear about your loss. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. Joni (Farmer) Steeve and Clark Crawford"
"Diane & family, Sorry to hear about Ron. He sounds like a very special man. Know that you all are in my thoughts and prayers. "
"I've known him boy and man. One of the most decent and valuable people God made. We will miss him deeply."
"Diana and Family, We are so very sorry for your loss. Ron was a great man who was loved by so many. You will all be in our thoughts and prayers. "
"So very sorry for ur loss Ron was a very loving person. He will be missed by many."
"Rhonda, Patty, and Jeff, So sorry to hear about your dad. He had a great spirit and I have many fond memories of him. My thoughts are with you and your families."
"I remember Ron as a man of faith and honor. He loved his family, and was always there for whoever needed him. He loved His Lord and served Him faithfully and lovingly! My prayers go out to Rhonda, Jeff and Patty. I pray that the God your Dad loved and served will give you all peace and grace!!"
"We were so sorry to learn of Ron's passing. He was one of the friendliest people I know. He always had a smile and spoke to everyone. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family. "
"I'm so sorry, my condolences. God be with you all."
"To Rhonda,Patty,&Jeff, I was so sorry to read of the passing of your father. I knew he had not been well but was not aware he was that ill. He was so good to me,Shelly&,David. We lived on crescent st. across from each other as our kids grew up. When I became a single parent Ron & his first wife Colleen watched over mainly David while I worked nights at Eaton Corp. I was forever grateful for their friendship& caring. I'm unable to attend services due to some illness of my own but you all are forever in my prayers especially the children& grandchildren that Ron loved so much! May God hold you in the palm of his hand & comfort you. Sincerely, Cherrie Dawson"
"That smile of Ron's will never be forgotten. Ron was so proud of his kids! I loved to listen to him tell me the latest about them. A great parent! Our community will miss this fine Christian man. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you."
"they lived acrossed the street from me all my life i love all his kids so sorry for your loss he will be so missed"
"Sending my deepest heartfelt condolences to the Malmberg family. Ron always greeted me with a great big smile and genuinely seemed like he cared and wanted to know how my family and I were doing. He will truly be missed!!! Big hugs to all of your family as you say your final goodbyes. Love, Kathy Ketcham Flagg + family"
"I'm so very, very sorry to hear this news!! I have known Ron since high school and every time I saw him he would stop and talk about his health problems and my health problems and he'd have great advice for me and I tried to do the same for him. A truly wonderful man that will be dearly missed by his family, friends and the community. "