Ronald (Ron) D. Johnson, 83, of Sioux City, Iowa, passed away at home on September 12, 2025, after a long illness.  A memorial service will be held Saturday, September 27, 2025, at 11:00 a.m.  Lunch will follow the service at Whitfield Methodist Church.  Arrangements are under the direction of Waterbury Funeral Service of Sioux City.

Ronald Dean Johnson was born in Onawa, Iowa to Rollie and Gladys (Hedges) Johnson on July 27, 1942. He was the third of four children; James (Betty), Jackie (died in infancy) and Susan (Dave) Zima.

Ron graduated from Onawa High School in 1959. He attended Drake University, Morningside College and flight training school. He married the love of his life, Delores Rodman, on July 1, 1963.Together, they raised their sons Craig and Kyle in Sioux City.

Ron was an avid musician; he won the International Music League award when he was 15 years old. He played guitar for many bands over the years in the Sioux City area. Most recently, he played guitar at various nursing homes, until his illness prevented him. Ron worked for many years at Zenith and was a corporate pilot for IBP/Tyson.

Ron was a family man and enjoyed spending time with his sons, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Over the years, he went out of his way to support them in all life events, big or small, from attending school lunches, sports and other activities, driver's licenses, graduations, weddings and funerals.

Ron enjoyed golfing (i.e. swinging and swearing), fishing and music. He shared that love with all. With a kind and generous heart, Ron supported the Whitfield Methodist church making the Christmas peanut brittle and while working at IBP/Tyson collected toys for children in need.  He had a kind heart for all animals and loved to feed the birds. His quick wit and humor were shared and enjoyed amongst family and friends.

Ron is survived by his wife, Delores Johnson, son Craig (Megen) Johnson of Ankeny, Iowa, daughter-in-law Lisa Johnson of Otsego, MN, sister-in-law Betty Johnson, sister-in-law Patricia Montross, and grandchildren Amber, Aaron, Brandon (Taylor), Cole, Lucas, and great-grandchildren Theo and Titan.

He was preceded in death by his parents, siblings, son Kyle, and daughter-in-law Melissa (Keele) Johnson.

A special thank you to St. Croix Hospice and June E. Nylen Cancer Center for all their support given to Ron, especially over this last year.