Ronald Dean Schram, age 70, died at his home on Saturday, September 28, with his family by his side.

Ron was born July 9, 1949 in Manchester, Iowa, the son of Herbert Ezra and Dorothy Anna (Gashel) Schram. He graduated from Manchester High School in 1967 before continuing his education at Iowa State University, where he earned degrees in Aerospace Engineering in 1972 and Civil Engineering in 1974. He was also a member of Beta Theta Pi Fraternity.

Ron married Carolyn Lethem on July 11, 1970, in Manchester. He supported his family as the owner of Central Iowa Contracting until his retirement, after which he enjoyed working part-time at Mary Greeley Medical Center as a valet.

Ron loved his work in construction, but also enjoyed time spent antiquing with Carolyn and watching old horror movies. With his engineer's mind and skilled hands, Ron could fix almost anything. Humor was Ron's greatest tool; he never failed to make others feel comfortable (or comforted) with a good joke. Ron was an avid stamp and coin collector, but he was happiest seated on a five-gallon bucket on a shoreline with his fishing pole. This love he passed down to his daughters and grandchildren. Ron knew how to make the most of any spare time spent with his girls, whether watching endless dance recitals, chauffeuring them around town, or teaching each of them to drive a stick.

Together, Ron and Carolyn raised six girls: Kelley (Michael) Davenport, Carrie (Ben) Striegel, Jessie Schram, Molly (Doug) Longman, Taylor Schram, and Maddie Schram. They proudly celebrated the births of each of their grandchildren: Brody, Avery, Bailey, Jace, Ezra, Asa, Hallie, Tristan, Eleanor, and Emmett. Ron was an only child, but is survived by his sister-in-law, Marsha Mitchell, and brother-in-law, David Lethem.

A visitation for friends and family will be held from 4:00-6:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 5, at Grandon Funeral and Cremation Care; 414 Lincoln Way; Ames, Iowa with a memorial service at 6:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be directed to the family who will be planning a memorial in his name to be placed at Schram Park in Manchester. Online condolences may be directed to wwww.grandonfuneralandcremationcare.com