Sign Ronald's Guest Book Registry for Ronald Wren

Long time Ames resident Ronald Wren, 88 died peacefully March 1, 2021 with family by his side, at his home in Payson, Utah. Ron was born and lived in Ames 84 years until his wife Karen Wren passed. He lived his last four years in Payson, Utah with his daughter Linda.

Ron was born June 3, 1932 to Clyde and Hazel (Davis) Wren. A miracle baby, weighing just over two pounds. Most of his childhood he was raised by his grandmother Addie Wren. Ron did not graduate high school. Instead at age 17, joined the Army. He was stationed in Korea, shot, and wounded just 4 months after enlisting. He spent 18 months in an Army hospital recovering. He completed his three-year tour and was honorably discharged with a Purple Heart and Good Conduct Medal.

He returned to Ames, where he married Edith (Mathews) Ridenhour. Together they had two children, Michael and Linda. They later divorced. In 1968, he married the love of his life Karen (Siegenthalar) Wren. They were married just one month shy of 49 years.

Ron worked many years at various gas stations, Deep Rock, Shell, and Holiday to name a few. In the early 60's, he went to work at the Atomic Research Lab, as a security guard for over 8 years. He went on to work for the DOT, in the motor pool, where he spent 23 years. He retired in 1996.

If you knew Ron you were his friend, he did not know a stranger. When he was younger, he enjoyed fishing. He liked driving and traveling. Mostly on roads less traveled, so he could see new places. Ron spent his free time watching TV. He loved old Westerns and the 50 & 60's program series he missed while working the night shift at the university. Playing solitaire on his computer was a challenge he found relaxing.

He is survived by his daughter, Linda Wren, of Payson, Utah; two granddaughters, Audrey (Carlos) Magdaleno of Utah, and Erin (Jeremy) Madson of Texas; Great-grandchildren, Alex, Carmyn and Dexter; sister, Alfie Terrones of Cedar Falls; daughter-in-law Bonnie Wren of Virginia; sister-in-law Marjean (John) Fawcett. Many nieces, nephews, cousins and of course his "Mermaids".

He was preceded in death by his Grandmother's Addie Wren and Mabel Davis; his parents; son, Michael Wren, and brother Keith Wren.

He was a lifelong member of the American Legion, Post 37 and the DAV Post in Fort Dodge. In lieu of flowers Ron would prefer a donation be made in his name to the American Veterans.

A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, March 13th, at Grandon Funeral and Cremation Care, 414 Lincoln Way in Ames, Iowa with graveside service at Ames Municipal Cemetery at 11:15 a.m. Masks and social distancing are required.

Online condolences may be directed to www.grandonfuneralandcremationcare.com