Ronald Grein, 92 of Mason City, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 9, 2024, surrounded by the love of his family at Thorne Crest Senior Living Community in Albert Lea. A man of faith, hard work, and good humor, Ronald touched the lives of all who knew him.
He was born on May 7, 1932 in Wesley, Iowa, the son of George and Loretta (Immerfall) Grein. He began his education at St. Benedict Catholic School, attending until 8th grade, and later graduated from LuVerne High School. After high school, Ronald proudly served his country in the United States Air Force during Korea, embodying the values of duty and honor.
On June 26, 1956, Ronald married Donna Thilges, his loving wife of 68 years, and together they raised four children: Cynthia, Virginia, Sheila, and Scott. He was a devoted father, always finding time to coach his children’s little league teams, share his love of sports, and enjoy outdoor activities with them.
Ronald’s enthusiasm for sports was unmatched—he was a dedicated fan of the Iowa Hawkeyes and Green Bay Packers, always cheering for his teams with passion. His love for outdoor adventures included snowmobiling, fishing – including many family vacations up North, and hunting for earthworms and building box kites for his children during their younger years.
Professionally, Ronald worked at Tyler-Ryan Furniture Store in Mason City for nearly 30 years before venturing into his own business with Ron’s TV. His gregarious and outgoing personality helped him maintain many friendships and loyal customers through the years.
A devout member of Epiphany Parish – Holy Family Catholic Church, Ronald was involved as a longtime usher, money counter, and a former member of the Men’s Club. He was also a proud member of the VFW, maintaining his connection to fellow veterans.
Ronald will be remembered for his sense of humor, his love of life, and his dedication to family, faith, and community.
He is survived by his wife Donna; their children, Cynthia (Steve) Merfeld, Virginia (Steve) Dickens, Sheila (Todd) Olson, and Scott Grein; 7 grandchildren, Nicole (Lary) Fauth, Danielle Merfeld, Ben (Christe) Dickens, Brittany Olson, Connor Olson, Heather Thompson and Trenton Thompson; and 7 great-grandchildren, Kensington, Kyler, Brad, Luke, Emma, Isaac, and Ethan; sisters in law, Doreen Koepke and Delores Thilges; and many nieces and nephews; all of whom will carry forward his legacy of kindness and joy.
Ron is preceded in death by his parents, George and Loretta; siblings, Leland (Dorothy), Harold, and Kenneth (Ruth) Grein; his grandson, Mike Dickens; brother and sisters in law, Leroy Thilges, Darwin Koepke, Darlene Zwiefel.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:00 am Saturday, October 12, 2024 at Epiphany Parish – Holy Family Catholic Church, 722 N. Adams Ave., Mason City. Burial will follow in Elmwood St. Joseph Cemetery, Mason City.
Visitation will be held one hour prior to Mass at the church on Saturday.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be left in Ronald’s honor to the Mike Dickens Legacy Foundation or Epiphany Parish Catholic Church.
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