Ronald Elwyn Potts

Ronald Elwyn Potts

Palo

Ronald Elwyn Potts, 78 of Palo, IA died while recovering from surgery on Friday, March 7, 2025. Prayer Service: At 4pm March 18, 2025, at Teahen Funeral Home then a visitation to follow till 7p.m. A funeral mass will be held on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, at 11 a.m. at St. Jude Catholic Church with one hour visitation before, by Rev. Nick March. Burial to follow at St. Joseph Cemetery.

Ron was born on September 23, 1946, the son of Donald and Elizabeth Mueller Potts, in Monroe, WI. He lived in the hills of Missouri and moved into town to attend Jefferson City High School. He was part of their football team. His football team between 1959 and 1965, the Jays enjoyed a 71-game win streak – which for years stood as a national record. After high school, he worked for Allied Van Lines. He decided to enlist in the US Navy during the Vietnam Conflict rather than letting the draft choose for him. He served in the United States Navy on the USS Enterprise Aircraft Carrier as a nuclear operator.

Ron won the heart of his high school sweetheart, Pat. He married Patrica Dampf on July 19, 1969, at the St Joseph Cathedral in Jefferson City, MO.

Following his time in the service he moved his family to Iowa in 1972. Assisting with construction and where he was a pioneer (operator) in starting up Iowa’s first nuclear power plant which went online in 1974. He developed procedures and worked with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. Personnel from all departments who would come to him for his knowledge and hands-on experience. He became known as the “Answer Man”. Retiring from Duane Arnold Energy Center after 41 years of service.

Ron and Pat established Windy Ridge Farm in 1989. They loved horses and raised cattle. In particular, they loved Appaloosa horses. He acquired all kinds of animals: a couple of pigs, chickens, assorted cats and dogs but absolutely no snakes…..never snakes. Ron enjoyed reading, working with animals, and tending to his garden. Ron and Pat also collected art and antiques traveling near and far in search of treasures. He also liked woodworking, building and fixing things. He was a big supporter of his kids and grandkids and loved spending time with them. He took care of his wife at home until the time of her passing in 2020. Ron was big on pushing yourself and having big goals, keeping your faith and family as priorities. He was very proud of his family. However, most of all, enjoy life and have fun.

Ron is survived by his blue healer (Holly), his children, Julie (Drew) Alton of Sioux Falls, SD, Renee Potts of Marion, Matthew (Kate) Potts of North Liberty, and Michelle (Clark) Hruby of Ely; grandchildren, Kaylyn, Chance, and Harry Alton, Anderson Elwyn Potts, and Mary, Elizabeth, and Patricia Hruby; and brothers, Randy (Debbie) Potts of Lohman, MO, and Ray (Janie) Potts of Jefferson City, MO.

Ronald was preceded in death by his wife of 50 years, Patricia “Pat” Potts; his parents, Don and Betty Potts; brother and sister-in-law, Donald and Sue Potts; and grandchildren, Luke, Xavier, and Seth Alton.

Instead of flowers, memorials may be directed to purchasing a memorial tree.

Online condolences can be left at www.teahenfuneralhome.com.