State, Ronald A.

Ronald A. State, 46, died Monday, Jan. 17, 2011, at the Dennis and Donna Oldorf Hospice House of Mercy in Hiawatha, following an extended illness. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 20, at Phillips Funeral Home Chapel, 212 E. Sixth St., Vinton, with hospice chaplain Joe Kane officiating. Interment will be held at St. Joseph Cemetery, Cedar Rapids. Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. today at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established.

Ronald was born April 15, 1964, at Marshalltown, to Gaylen and Dorothy (Watne) State. He served his nation in the National Guard.

On Sept. 7, 1985, he was united in marriage to Brenda Kay Buser in Atkins. An employee of Roberts Dairy for 26 years, he served as the company's transportation manager the past 10 years. He enjoyed camping and fishing. He was a hard worker and family man, and was a wonderful husband, father and grandpa.

He is survived by his wife, Brenda of Atkins; his sons, Jeremy (Breannon) State and Ryan (Alysha) State, all of Cedar Rapids; his daughter, Melissa (Alex) Holmes of Atkins; his grandson, Carter Holmes; his mother, Dorothy State of Marshalltown; his brothers, Jeff (Debbie) State of Alden, Dennis State of Rhoades, and his twin brother, Donald State of Marshalltown; his sisters, Donna (Brad) Parker of Weatherford, Texas, and Susan State and LeAnn (Harlan) Siemens, all of Marshalltown; and a number of nieces and nephews.

Ronald was preceded in death by his father, Gaylen; and his brother, Brian State.

Condolences may be left at: