"Please accept my deepest sympathy-I worked with Ron at Bacon Veneer Company. He put in many, many hours there - operating the debarker and other machinery. Besides being a good person-he had a good soul. Sending you healing prayers and peaceful thoughts knowing he was a shining light. Peggy & Family"
In loving memory of
Ronald W. Howell Sr.
October 13, 1935 - January 11, 2018
Ronald W. Howell Sr., 82, of Maquoketa, Iowa, passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 11, 2018, at his home in Maquoketa surrounded by his family.
Friends and family may gather for "One Last Party"© in remembrance of Ronald on Tuesday, January 16, 2018, from 5 to 7 P.M. in "The Bistro" at the Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa, Iowa. Cremation rites have been accorded and a private burial will be held at a later date.
Ronald Wesley Howell was born on October 13, 1935 in Iowa City, Iowa to Glenn William and Eunice Tiny (Dague) Howell. He married Josephine Patricia Scharff on July 2, 1955 in Maquoketa, Iowa. To this union five children were born: Julie, Ronald Jr., Lynda, Kitty and Lonnie. "Pat" passed away on May 5, 1984. He later married Sharon Aileen Boltjes Caes on August 31, 1996 in Maquoketa, Iowa.
Ronald started out working for Bacon Veneer in Dubuque, Iowa on the circular saw, then became a buyer and a foreman. He then worked for the Kyle family, and for many years owned and operated R.W. Howell Logging, Inc., a successful business that exported to Japan, Germany and Switzerland. He and Pat were honored with a trip to Japan to show Ronald how his logs were processed.
Ronald enjoyed hanging out with family and friends but his true passion was logging. His whole life was centered around trees as he would almost drive off the road while looking. He also enjoyed going for rides with his brother Gene.
Those left to honor his memory include his wife, Sharon Howell of Maquoketa, IA; children, Julie (Kenneth) Fonck of Maquoketa, IA, Lynda Howell of Dubuque, IA, Kitty (Terry) Brown of Hazel Green, WI, and Lonnie (Jessica) Howell of Bernard, IA; step-children, Paula Howell of Maquoketa, IA, Shelly Kelly of Maquoketa, IA, and Kirk (Michelle) Caes of Maquoketa, IA; and brothers, Gene (Joyce) Howell of Maquoketa, IA, and Calvin Burnes of Dubuque, IA; 19 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great-grandson. He was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife Pat, seven brothers Carl, Tom, Dick, Earl, Art, Lindiss and Dan, a son Ronald Howell Jr, and a step-son Kane Caes.
In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, a Ronald Wesley Howell Sr. memorial fund has been established.
Online condolences may be left at www.CarsonAndSon.com.
Tributes
"To the family of Ron, My deepest sympathy to all. Only had a few meetings with Ron when he would give me an idea of the value of a timber that I was listing for someone. Always was straight with me and a pleasure to work with and we had great conversations. Definitely a good man. Glad I had the opportunity to meet him. Fred Droste"
"To family of Ron Howell. My husband, Al Huff, worked at R.S. Bacon Veneer Company when Ron did many years ago. We had wonderied what Ronnie was doing and I am very sorry to hear of his passing. My husband, Al, passed away on December 22,2017. Maybe they are discussing logs right now."
"Our sympathy to you Sharon and,Lonnie, and your families, Ronnie was a dear friend,will miss him. God Bless. Don Dammen"
"Our condolences to the family of Ron Howell. Dee Ewing and My angel in heaven Larry Ewing.."
"My sympathy and prayers to you, Lynda, Echo and your family. May God bless you in your sorrow. Know I keep you in mind these days as you celebrate the life of your father. Sister Lynn Wagner "
"This is Sister Kay Cota, offering my sympathy and prayers to Lynda and family in the loss of Ronald W., Sr. I was sorry to hear of your dad's death and know that he must have been a great father, grandfather and fun friend with whom all looked forward to spend time sharing stories and laughs. "
"Sharon, Julie and family, Valerie and I express our sympathies to you during this difficult time. We will keep you all in our prayers."
"My heart goes out to all of you. So sorry for your loss. "
"Sharon & family,
It saddens me to read of your loss. May God be with you and ease your pain.
"
"Dear Sharon and family, . . .thinking of you in your time of loss, May God's peace and love be with you all."
"So sorry Sharon and family for your loss. Ron was a very nice man and always had a smile on his face. May he rest in peace."
"Sharon and Family,
Sorry for your loss. Prayers and thoughts are sent too you."