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Ronald Hess
RONALD D. HESS
Independence
Ronald D. Hess, 75, of Independence, went home with his God on Wednesday, March 9, 2016, due to complications of Parkinson's disease.
Ron was born Dec. 31, 1940, to Marie Elizabeth (Woods) and Robert Hess in Crete, Neb. They moved to Mount Vernon when he was 5 years old. After graduating from Mount Vernon High School, he attended the University of Iowa and graduated in 1966 with a degree in pharmacy. Following graduation, Ron worked in various pharmacies, including Paramount Pharmacy in Cedar Rapids, Hartig Drug in Oelwein and McGrane Drug in Independence. In 1972, he purchased the pharmacy and changed the name to Hess Pharmacy. He closed the store in 1991 and worked for Kimball Avenue Drug/Falls Avenue Drug in Waterloo until his retirement in 2008.
Ron was a proud and active member of Independence. Throughout the years, Ron was a member of First Presbyterian Church, Independence Area Chamber of Commerce, Chamber Ambassadors, Lions Club, Jaycees, Wapsie Pinicon Golf Club and president of Independence Band Boosters. He also was involved in the local auto dirt track racing for many years. And, the one thing that brought him the biggest smiles were the Iowa Hawkeyes, of which he held season tickets for 29 years.
Survivors include his wife, Judy; a son, Steve (Leslie) Hess, and their children, Jay and Justin; a daughter, Ronda Hilbert-Lamphier (Todd), and their children, Cory (Lyda) and Matt Hilbert, Adrianna, Kaleb, Kennedy and Addison Lamphier. Also surviving are his sister, Janet (Tom) Smith of Urbandale; and brother-in-law, David (Wilma) Henderson of Central City; along with several nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be from 3 to 7 p.m. Sunday at First Presbyterian Church in Independence, where a memorial service will be 11 a.m. Monday.
Hawkeye attire is encouraged to celebrate his love for the University of Iowa.
Reiff Funeral Home, Independence, is in charge of the services.
To leave an online condolence, please go to www.reifffuneralhome.com under obituaries.
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