Utley, Ronald D.

Ronald D. Utley, 64, of Belle Plaine, formerly of Cedar Rapids, died peacefully at home with family at his bedside, on Saturday, April 7, 2012, following a courageous battle with leukemia. Services: 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 11, at Murdoch-Linwood Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Cedar Rapids, by the Rev. Bill Harnish. Family will greet friends from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 10, at the funeral home. Entombment: Linwood Mausoleum, Cedar Rapids, with military honors.

Ronnie was born Feb. 4, 1948, to Agnes and Howard Utley. He met the love of his life, Sylvia (Ricci) Ruegsegger, when the couple were both 19 years old in 1967. They married and lived in Cedar Rapids until 1993, then moved to Belle Plaine, where they currently reside.

Ron served in the United States Navy. Following his military service, he went into Laborers Local 43, where he worked for several years before entering Ironworkers Local 89 and worked until 1991. He later renovated and managed rental properties.

Ron's greatest pride came from his family. The couple has three children, Darin (Shannon) Utley and Dana (John) Roling, both of Cedar Rapids, and Ronda Utley of Tiffin; and six grandchildren, D.J. and Nicole Utley, Tyler and Karsyn Roling, Kelsi Utley and Zach Haigh. Also surviving are his mother-in-law, Marie (Meyer) Ruegsegger of Amana; two sisters, Deb (Bob) Dee and Sharon Jessen of Bertram; and many nieces and nephews whom he loved very much!

He was preceded in death by his parents, Agnes and Howard Utley; father-in-law, Ivan Ruegsegger; and nephew, Jimmy Nichols.

Ron was a great guy with a huge heart and graciously worked with hundreds of Cedar Rapids youth over the years through the Cedar Rapids Boxing Club. He coached, mentored and supported his son, Darin, through eight Iowa Golden Gloves Championships and helped train and coach his daughter, Ronda, when she professionally boxed. He later served as Iowa Amateur Boxing Registrar and judged hundreds of amateur and pro fights. He loved sports and he gained lifelong friendships through his work with boxing.

Ron's true passion was love of family and playing poker. He thoroughly enjoyed playing cards and traveling. Ron's quick wit and good sense of humor never dwindled and his stories always brought a laugh. His words of advice and loyal love of family and friends will never be forgotten.

Instead of flowers, a memorial fund has been established in memory of Ron.

Please sign the online guest book for Ron at www.murdochfuneralhome.com under obituaries.

Published April 9, 2012 in The Gazette