Ron Kelling, 80, a devoted husband, loving father, proud grandfather, and cherished friend, passed away unexpectedly on January 6, 2026, leaving behind a legacy defined by devotion, compassion, leadership, and steadfast faith.

A service to celebrate Ron’s life will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, January 15, 2026, at Lutheran Church of Hope (520 NW 36th St.,Ankeny), with fellowship and lunch immediately following the service. A procession to Riverside Cemetery in Marshalltown will begin at 1:30 p.m.

Ron was born on December 31, 1945, in Dover, Delaware, and was raised in Hampton, Iowa. He graduated from Hampton High School and attended Ellsworth Community College before proudly serving in the Iowa National Guard.

On July 4, 1966, in Marshalltown, Ron met the love of his life, Dianna Wildeboer. They were married just a few months later, on November 12, 1966, and shared 58 beautiful years together, building a life rooted in love, family, and countless cherished memories. Ron enjoyed a successful career in sales that led him into leadership roles and ultimately to the acquisition of Cooper Manufacturing in Marshalltown, where he later retired.

Ron was deeply committed to his community in Marshalltown. He was actively involved in Rotary, Junior Achievement, United Methodist Church, and Promise Keepers. He participated in the 48th National Security Forum at Maxwell Air Force Base in Alabama through Air University and the Air War College. Ron was also a finalist for the 1997 Entrepreneur of the Year for Iowa and Nebraska and was a longtime member of the Gasket Fabricators Association, serving as President and on the board.

A devoted father to Jenny, Jason, and Jeff, Ron was their biggest supporter, rarely missing a sporting event, dance recital, or special occasion. That same unwavering support extended to his grandchildren, whom he loved deeply and proudly.

Ron is survived by his children, Jenny (Eric) of Ankeny, Jason (Chelle) of Laurel, and Jeff (Casey) of Osage Beach, Missouri; his beloved grandchildren, Auston Kelling, Cloe Kelling, McKenna Yordy, Preston Kelling, Caden Kelling, Alyssa Yordy, Kota Sawyer, Dawson Sawyer, Alice Land, Jack Land, and Maggie Land; his siblings, John (Joanne) Kelling of Saylorville, Iowa, and JoAnn (Paul) Keferl of Montezuma, Iowa; along with many cherished nieces, nephews, and extended family members. He was preceded in death by his parents, Mary Ellen and Fay Kelling; and by his beloved wife, Diane, in March of 2025.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to those at Vintage Hills Cooperative for their friendship, support, and sense of community. In the short time he lived there, Ron formed meaningful connections that brought him great joy. Though the family grieves his passing, they take comfort in knowing he is reunited with Dianna, surrounded by love, and remembered through the many beautiful lives he touched.

Memorial Service

Jan

15

Lutheran Church of Hope-Ankeny

520 NW 36th St.
Ankeny, Iowa 50023

10:30 AM