Ron Kohagen

Ronald Lee Kohagen, 76, of Readlyn, Iowa, passed away on Wednesday afternoon, December 25, 2024, at the UnityPoint Health Allen Hospital.

Ron was born on March 16, 1948, in Waterloo, Iowa, the son of Willard John and Wilma Marie (Doepke) Kohagen. He was baptized on April 11, 1948 at St. John Lutheran Church and graduated from Wapsie Valley High School in 1966. On January 9, 1972, Ron was united in marriage to Nancy Lee Bruns at St. John Lutheran Church – Maxfield. Ron was a carpenter and worked for Thies Construction in Readlyn.

Ron was a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Readlyn where he served numerous terms on the council. He was a past member of the Readlyn Jaycees, serving as president, secretary-treasurer, and director, and was a former member of the Readlyn City Council. Ron was proudly voted the 2015 Readlyn Old Grump. He was a talented woodworker, enjoyed playing cards, and was a master solitaire player. He also enjoyed watching MeTV, westerns, and game shows. In his ‘spare time,’ he would write poems for special family events.

Also known as “Klutzy,” he was never one to shy away from a good time. With his quick wit and sense of humor, Ron could always be counted on to brighten the room with a well-timed joke or an unforgettable story. Not always PG! A tough exterior, his heart was soft and he loved his family fiercely. His five grandchildren were his pride and joy, and he loved nothing more than to talk about their accomplishments to anyone who would listen. This year he was promoted to Great-Grandpa, of which he was so proud.

Ron is survived by his wife of nearly 53 years, Nancy; his children, Marcia (Jeff) Joerger of Denver, Iowa and Gail (Ryan) Hull of Le Grand, Iowa; five grandchildren, Sam (Claire), Tessa and Jackson Joerger, and Ellie and Sydney Hull; one great-grandson, Tate Joerger; four siblings, Darrol (Joan) Kohagen of Sumner, Iowa, Diane (Mark) Rourke of Fairbank, Iowa, Virgil (Tina) Kohagen of Waterloo, Iowa and Joel Kohagen of Readlyn, Iowa; a sister-in-law, Carole Bruns of Waverly, Iowa; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents; three sisters, Carolyn Lohmann, Marlene Barnes, and Shirley Kohagen; parents-in-law, Elmer and Glenyce Bruns; and brothers-in-law, Ronald Lohmann and James Bruns.

Funeral services were at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, December 31, 2024, at Zion Lutheran Church in Readlyn with Rev. Dr. Jean Rabary presiding. Burial followed in Zion Lutheran Cemetery with military honors provided by Acker-Matthias American Legion Post #653. Visitation was on Monday, December 30, 2024, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Kaiser-Corson Funeral Home in Readlyn and one hour prior to the service at the church on Tuesday. Memorials may be directed to Zion Lutheran Church or Readlyn EMS fund and online condolences may be left at www.kaisercorson.com. Kaiser-Corson Funeral Home in Readlyn is assisting Ron’s family.