Ronald L. Stevens, 85, better known as Ronnie to friends and family, died peacefully March 13, 2025, at the Thomas Rest Haven Nursing Home in Coon Rapids, Iowa.
He was born at home in Guthrie County on Feb. 24, 1940, the eldest son of Glenn E. Stevens and Lillian J. (Richey) Stevens.
Ronald graduated from Audubon High School, Class of 1958.
Following graduation he served with the U.S. Navy through December 1963.
Following his time in the U.S. Navy, Ronnie studied at the University of Minnesota in Duluth.
After his correspondence with Josefina V. Daugdaug they married in Cebu City, Cebu, Philippines, in 1974. They resided in Jefferson, where Ronnie worked in manufacturing and was also self-employed. He was married to Josie until her death in 2021.
Ronnie enjoyed being physically active and outside in nature. He would often spend time at the local high school track and walking trails in Jefferson.
He enjoyed reading and had an assorted collection of books and movies. Self-education was an important attribute that he passed on to his daughters.
He wrote poetry and jokes. He often discussed movies and would readily debate in politics and other social issues.
In addition to his parents and wife, he was predeceased by his daughter, Valerie.
He is survived by his daughter, Vanessa; his grandchildren, Kimora, Jaxon and Giovanni-Carlo; brothers, Kerry Stevens of Waukee and Rick Stevens and his wife, Peggy, of Indianola; sister, Melodee Powers and her husband, Jay, of Newberg, Oregon; nieces; nephews; a great-niece; and great-great-nephew.
Visitation will be held from 1-3 p.m. on Saturday, March 22 at the Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home and Crematory at 1721 Park St. in Perry0. Services will be held graveside at the Union Cemetery in rural Guthrie Center, Iowa, following the visitation. Flowers and memorials can be sent to the funeral home. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.caldwellparrish.com.
