Ronald Eugene "Ronnie" Willie

Ronald Eugene “Ronnie” Willie, 74, of Garber, Iowa, passed away on Thursday, October 5, 2023, at the Iowa City VA Medical Center in Iowa City. He was born on September 2, 1949, in Elkader, the son of Delores Ralph “Dutch” and Edna Katherine (Schlee) Willie.  Ronnie was raised and educated in the Elkader area and was a graduate of Elkader High School. Ronnie served honorably in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. Ronnie grew up in the family band with his brothers, dad, and stepdad.

On May 22, 1971, Ronnie was united in marriage to Joyce Ann Bond in Colesburg. Two daughters, Tammy and Tonya, were born to this union.  The family resided in Garber. The couple operated the Anchor Inn in Garber until purchasing JR Willie’s in Colesburg. They owned and operated JR Willie’s for nearly 40 years. Ronnie served as a Clayton County Supervisor.

 Ronnie was a member of Chapter 39-3 Combat Veterans and the Northeast Iowa Vietnam Veterans. He was president and very active in the Elkport Garber Community Club. Ronnie was also a former fireman in both Garber and Colesburg. He was a member of the Colesburg Commercial Club and annual announcer of the Colesburg 4th of July parade and festivities and the 2020 Grand Marshall. He had been a sponsor of several pool teams, ball teams, and was very active in many activities in the area.  Ronnie was a member of St. John’s Congregational Church in Garber. He enjoyed annual trips with his family and friends. Ronnie loved his family and enjoyed spending time with them.

Survivors include his two daughters, Tammy (Randy Loesche) Funk of Petersburg and Tonya (Phil) Wille of Garnavillo; eight grandchildren, Kayla (Greg) Reimer, Kyle (Lexi) Funk, Lexi (Mike) Allen, T.J. (Chloe Freeman) Wille, Jayce (Destiny Kemp) Wille, Alyssa Wille, Brooke (Brandon Thiese) Amling, and Mason Amling; three great-grandchildren, Kalyssa, Kenzie, and Kadence Reimer; special friend, Dixie Willman; his siblings, Betty Deal of West Union, Gary (Pam) Willie of Elkader, Lowell (Dottie) Willie of St. Olaf, and Arthur (Julie) Willie of Millville; brothers-and sisters-in-laws, Brian (Stephanie) Cornwell of Greeley, Alta (Terry) Kloser of Greeley, and Linda Bond of Vinton; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Ronnie was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Joyce Willie in 2003; his brother, Duane (Caroline) Willie; parents-in-law, Helen and Clair “Corny” Cornwell; and brothers-in-law, Clyde Deal and John Bond.

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