Arvidson, Ronald

Ronald Arvidson, 77, of Grinnell, formerly of Malcom, passed away Monday, Sept. 2, 2013, at Grinnell Regional Medical Center in Grinnell. Funeral services will begin at 11 a.m. Thursday at Community Hope Church in Montezuma. Burial will be in Jackson Township Cemetery, Montezuma. Arrangements are with Holland-Coble Funeral Home in Montezuma.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the American Cancer Society or the Parkinson's Disease Foundation.

Friends may sign the online guest book at www.hollandocblefuneralhomes.com.

Ronald Arvidson, son of Oscar “Emil” and Lois (Hall) Arvidson, was born Feb. 29, 1936, in Grinnell, Iowa. Ron grew up in rural Brooklyn and graduated from Brooklyn High School in 1956. At a young age, Ron was instilled with the values of hard work and dedication to his family. On July 2, 1959, he was united in marriage to his true love, Shirley Harrington. For 54 years they stayed by each other's side. Whether the task was as big as raising a family or as simple as a trip to the hair salon, they did it together. Ron worked for a while at SIG Manufacturing before taking a job with the State of Iowa Department of Transportation. After 33 dedicated years, Ron retired from the state and began working at Walmart in Grinnell.

When he was not working, he enjoyed bowling, college sports, NASCAR, planting flowers, animals, and his tractor rides. Ron had a passion for the farm and his Farmall tractor. For over 17 years Ron would take his H Farmall, which was purchased new by his father in 1952, in tractor rides and parades. He has been a participant in both the WHO and the WMT rides where he enjoyed the time spent with friends as much as the ride itself.

Ron enjoyed good country and gospel music, as well as his golf cart rides around Malcom. Halloween was always a favorite time for Ron. He loved to give someone a scare or play a joke. Ron understood that laughter was the best medicine. He didn't miss a chance to visit with an old friend or make a new one. He was a man with a big heart who always put others firsts. Ron would tease and joke but he was always there for anyone who needed it.

Ron was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Keith Arvidson; and a brother-in-law, Ed Roche.

His memory will be honored by his loving wife, Shirley of Grinnell; four sons, Brent Arvidson of Brooklyn, Brad Arvidson of Coralville, Rod Arvidson of Malcom and Brian Worthy of Boulder, Colo.; one daughter, Melinda Arvidson of Sigourney; his sisters, Donna Roche and Carolyn (Bob) Weisskopf, both of Grinnell; seven grandchildren, Ben, Andrea, Cassidy, Caleigh, Aliya, Max and Amanda Worthy; as well as nieces, nephews, and many, many friends.

Published Sept. 5, 2013 in The Gazette