Ronald Wright

Ronald Wright, 83, of Jefferson, died at his home May 27. Private family services took place at Highland Township Cemetery near Bayard. Memorials are suggested in Ron’s name to Folds of Honor or in Ron and Pauline’s name to the Thomas Jefferson Gardens.

Ronald Wright was born on August 18, 1931, on a farm east of Linden, Iowa to Walter C. and Anna Mary Wright.  Ron attended school in Linden, Yale and Bayard, Iowa, where he graduated with the Class of 1949. Ron enjoyed sports and was active in football, basketball and baseball at Bayard High.  He enjoyed sharing the story of pitching a no-hit no-run game against Yale. Yale, Iowa that is!  When in high school, Ron met Pauline Patrick who was in his class.  In his words, ‘She was the best thing that ever happened to me”. They were united in marriage in Jefferson, on his birthday, August 18, 1950. To this union, 3 children were born; Dennis, Kathryn and Teresa.

In 1951, Ron enlisted in the Marine Corps. He honorably served in Korea through 1952. Upon returning home, they moved to a farm north of Bayard where Ron and his father-in-law farmed together until 1958. Ron was very appreciative of the love and support that they received from Pauline’s folks, Ernie and Alta Patrick.

From 1959 to 1962, Ron was Clerk of the District Court in Greene County. He then was employed by the United States District Court, Northern District, at Fort Dodge in the same capacity, working with Judge William C. Hanson.  After Judge Hanson entered senior status, Ron transferred to the United States District Court, Southern District of Iowa, in Des Moines.  He worked as the Courtroom Clerk under Judge Stuart, Judge Wolle and Judge Longstaff until the time of his retirement in 1991. Ron was a very dedicated employee.  His job was of utmost importance, but only behind his dedication to making sure Pauline and his children were able to remain in Jefferson through the relocation of his career. Ron spent countless hours on the road so that Jefferson could remain their home.

Ron also enjoyed hunting, fishing and traveling with Pauline throughout the United States. He kept an atlas that was highlighted with every path they had taken. Golfing was Ron’s favorite way to unwind. He loved his time spent with friends and family on the golf course. Ron was a member of the Methodist Church, Masons, VFW and American Legion.

Ron and Pauline loved their neighborhood and their nature friends in the backyard, always watching and feeding them. After Pauline’s passing in 2012, Ron remained at the home they had built together almost 50 years ago. His heart was broken, but he continued to maintain his life there only by the daily love and support of his neighbors and good friends.

Ron was always so thankful for his family. He always would say, ‘I don’t know how I could be so lucky.’ He loved the life we were all making for ourselves and was ever so proud. He’s back with Mom now, and his physical pain is gone.  He’s happy, he’s at peace, and for that, we are truly thankful.

Ron is survived by his children: Dennis Wright and his wife Mischia of Lawrence, Kan.; Kathy Lighthall of Davis, Calif.; and Terri Dunn and her husband Dirk of Villisca; seven grandchildren: Chad, Deidra, Derrica, Hilary, Hannah, Austin, and Berkleigh; six great-grandchildren; Brazilian daughter Adriana (Tim) Ely; brother: John (Barb) Wright of Waukee; sister: Connie Heuer of Altoona; and sister-in-law: Shirley Wright of Baxley, GA.

Online condolences may be left at www.sliningerrossowfuneralhome.com

Slininger-Rossow Funeral Home, Jefferson.