Ronald L. Robinson

Ronald L. Robinson

Des Moines

Ronald Robinson, a proud U.S. Navy veteran and longtime resident of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, passed away peacefully surrounded by family at the VA Community Living Center in Des Moines on August 27, 2025.

Ron was born May 9, 1937 to Alpha and Lawrence Robinson in Audubon, IA. Guided by a curious mind and a strong sense of duty, Ron honorably served his country in the Navy, traveling the world, working on board a USN Communications ship protecting our nation’s freedom. His military service, coupled with his keen attention to detail, led him into an electronics career with Boeing, Lockheed and finally a successful 25-year career with Rockwell Collins, where he worked until his retirement in 1992.

Following retirement, Ron remained in Cedar Rapids, where he enjoyed time with family, long walks on the trail, dinners at his favorite burger and Mexican restaurants, and hunting for deals and treasures while thrifting. He was known to be a devoted “collector,” always on the lookout for something he felt was of value or special.

Most recently, Ron and his wife Peg, relocated to Des Moines to be closer to doctors, friends, and family. Besides occasionally challenging his doctors, his true joy came from the time spent with loved ones, who were the center of his world.

Ron was well known for his endless stories, sharp wit, and remarkable breadth of knowledge that seemed to cover every subject under the sun. Whether it was history, science, or trivia, he always had something to share, or was eager to learn more. His humor, wisdom, and storytelling left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know him.

He is survived by his loving wife, Peg Robinson of Des Moines, IA; daughter Sabrina Lacroix (Evens) of Cedar Rapids, Ia; son Ethan Adkins of Des Moines, IA; daughter Emilee Ridgway (Nick) of Melbourne FL; sister Colleen (Robinson) Waddell of Omaha, NE; as well as numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by both his father Lawrence Robinson and mother Alpha (Billie) Bald.

Ron will be remembered not only as a devoted husband and father, but also as a modern-day encyclopedia, a man whose heart was as vast as his knowledge, and whose greatest love was his family.

Memorials may be sent to Disabled American Veterans (DAV) at help.dav.org.

A light lunch reception was held at The 3100 Grand Condominiums Event Room, 3100 Grand Avenue, Des Moines, Iowa 50312, beginning at 3:30 pm for family and friends on Saturday, August 30, 2025. A private family memorial service was conducted prior to the reception.