I'm in town nearby attending the wedding of my niece and I've just gone through quite a time trying to get my latest glasses made properly. Went through 6 optometrist and was seriously considering coming up from Atlanta to have Ron take care of me and figure out what I needed to see.

Since he had been on my mind recently I thought I would look him up, pop in and say hi... only to find that he passed away unexpectedly almost 10 years ago. He was always so nice to me.  So sad for the family that he passed so relatively young.

Today is a sad day for Ron's friends, family and patients. One year ago today we lost him.  In his shadow he leaves many memories that offer some comfort.  Those of us who went to optometry school with him remember a guy who loved Coors, lined up his sharpened pencils by length, "kept a low profile", and always laughed that he "didn't hardly think so".  Ron always had a smile for everyone and it lit up the room.  We miss you, Ron, and will always hold you in our hearts. Rest in peace, my friend.

I'm so sorry to hear of the loss of this fine, caring optometrist. I have low vision and he took the time to make both contacts and glasses fit better than anyone else. I was just looking him up to refer a friend.

I just became aware that Dr. Ron had passed away, when I opened mail stating that his estate had sold his practice. I couldn't believe it and had to call. I had just been in to see him. As everyone has said, he was a genuinely caring person. Always showing interest in his patients as friends. My heart goes out to his family and also to Kay and Gina. I plan to continue at that office so I can keep in touch with them.

Ron –
5729 Daum - 38 years since we first met.  From the beginning I knew you were unique.  I still don't know anyone else who used to drive an AMC Javelin. 

You were proud of your family throughout your life.  Years ago when I visited you in Knoxville during the summer, you made a point to stop by the bank and gift shop to introduce me to Don and Dot.

The professionalism that others have shared was present even in the beginning when I was a patient coming to you when you were a student at ICO.

Our visits always began with a catching-up period, you asking about my Mom and sharing the current status of your girls.  I know you were especially proud that Jessica and Kelsey were so close that they went to the same university.  We cried when we saw each other for the first time after the divorce only to start laughing when I asked for more than a single Kleenex and you said you now know where the boxes are stored.  It is difficult and painful to realize that those days are over.

I mailed you a condolence card with the recent passing of your mother in which I shared the sentiment of a card I received 20 years ago when my Dad died.  In moments like this there are three things that will eventually ease the pain - time, memories and friends.  It is now perfectly clear that we were lucky to have you in our lives.  You are and will be missed by family - immediate and distant, coworkers, friends and patients for a long time to come.

We were shocked and saddened to hear of Ron's passing today.  We were neighbors with him for a couple years and he was also my eye doctor.  He was a great neighbor and a the best eye doctor I have had.  He did have a habit of locking himself out of his condo though, but we were happy to hang out with him in ours while he waited on the locksmith.  Ron will be greatly missed.

I'm so sorry to hear of Dr. Vandenberg's death.  He's been my mum and my eye doctor for as far back as I can remember.   He helped my mum so much after her stroke in 2009, and we will always appreciate that.

I have been seeing Ron since he took over Dr. W's practice.  When it was time for my daughter, Angie, to get glasses in the 3rd grade, she went to Ron too. Angie went to Trinity and was a grade behind Kelsey in school.  As they got older, they played jr high volleyball together and became friends.  When I'd go in for a check-up, Ron and I would catch up on what the girls were up to!!!  Ron was considerate and kind.  Angie and I will miss him greatly.  We are so sorry for your loss.

Jess and Kelsey:  I just got word about the loss of your dad.  Don't know what to say except how sad I am for your family.  Keep the faith and cherish the good memories.  I was there for some of them!  Blessings forever and ever!!

Ron was a great High School Friend.  I'd like to think my dad the late Dr. Andrew had an influende on his career choice.  Miss you buddy.  Michael Andrew  Class of 73, Knoxville Iowa.

Ron was the most incredible person
that I have ever known. His ability to love his daughters was beyond words. He was my friend for almost
40 years and in that time I only knew him
to see the good in everyone in his life.
I am honored to have known him and will
miss him more than words can say.

We were shocked and deeply saddened to hear of Dr. Ron's passing.  Our thoughts and prayers are with your family during this time of sorrow.  We have been patients of Dr. Ron's for almost 30 years.  He will always be one of the very best doctors anyone could have. His professionalism, knowledge, and care was unsurpassed.  He will be a sadly missed friend.  May God keep you in his embrace and be a comfort to you at this time.

To the entire Vandenberg family and to Kay and Gina:
   Our hearts are broken at the news of Ron's death.  Our entire family have been patients of his since he took over the practice many, many years ago.  He was not only a wonderful doctor, he was a friend.  His interest in our kids, as they grew to adulthood, was unending.  Our routine appointments were more like reunions each year, hearing about your family and his inquiries of ours.  We will miss him and his kind and generous ways. We hope that God will wrap his arms around all of you and keep you warm with the good memories of him.
Peace be to all of you,  The Welty Family

Tim & I were Shocked & Saddened to hear of Dr. V's death.  He has been taking care of our eyes for many years.  I credit Dr. Ron & Staff  with helping save the vision in my left eye.  I called one morning, to say I experienced a "Sudden Change in Vision"  upon waking up that morning.  They got me right in and Dr. V found what appeared to be a Problem with my Retina. He told me to call Arbisser's Office (My Eye M.D.) and ask to be seen "Right Away."  Dr. V was Right-- I had to have Laser Surgery-- to keep my Retina from "Detaching" further. 
I credit-- God, Dr. V &  His Team, with the Fast & Accurate Care that saved my vision !  Several years later it was great to see Our First Grandchild --- using my 2 Good Eyes! P.S.Thanks Dr. Ron!       Pam

We are sad to learn of Ron's passing. I, Park, grew up in same farm neighborhood with his parents being faithful family friends. We shared a  4-H State Fair level Demonstration on BBQ chicken in 1969! We toured Coors plant in CO when he was tour guide. Also 'Murph' was a wonderful friend as fellow Business major at Central. ... You are in our prayers as you adapt. Park & DR Susan Woodle, Knoxville, IA

So shocked and saddened to hear of Dr. Vandenbergs passing.  Just saw him on the15th at my eye appointment.  He was a great doctor and a great man.  My prayers are with his daughters.  He was so very proud of you both.

The Reardon family was so sorry to hear of Dr. Vandenberg's passing. We were patients when he took over the practice in Bettendorf. He was always thoughtful and never failed to ask about family members he had not seen in years but remembered. I was amazed that our yearly appointments were like picking up a conversation from the last visit. He was one-of-a-kind and we will miss him. Our thoughts will be with his family, Gina and Kay.

Jessica and Kelsey,
My thoughts and prayers have been with you the last few days.  Your Dad's death came as quite a shock to your extended family.  I remember your Dad as my younger cousin growing up in Knoxville.  He was a great kid.  He always had a smile and was ready to have some fun.  The last we talked, he was telling me about you both and your plans for the future.  I mourn his passing.

We were sadden to hear of Ron's passing.  We first met Ron through a group of friends that decided to float down the Rock River one warm summer day over 20 years ago, after that we went to him for our eye care needs.  He was so patient and caring, always had a smile!  Our thoughts and prayers are with his family as well as Kay and Gina, who were always so helpful and gracious.  Ron's positive outlook, patience, caring attitude and smiling face will always be remembered.

Sue, Jessi, and Kelsey: We are sincerely saddened to hear of Ron's passing. Please know that you can contact us if needed for anything. May happy memories comfort you in this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Our sincere sympathy for your loss.  We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.

You have my deepest sympathy.  My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

We are also devoted, long-time patients of Dr. Ron.  The only doctor I've had for 30+ years, with the reason being no other has shown the same level of care and concern for my family's health and wellbeing.  We will miss his infectious smile.  Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family, especially the daughters he loved so deeply, and to his faithful staff, Kay and Gina.
Bill, Melissa, Matt & Zach Pajunen

Dr. Vandenberg has been my eye doctor since I got out of college. We used to talk about the University of Iowa all the time. He would always remind me that I was 3 months younger than he was.  I always looked forward to seeing him and just chatting about everything. He always asked about my family - he saw my two daughters as well. I trusted no one else with their eyes. He remembered details so amazingly. He was always listening..... He will certainly be missed. I still cannot believe he is gone. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and Gina & Kay.

So sorry to hear about the passing of Dr. Vandenberg.  We have been patients of his for 20 plus years and always enjoyed his kindness, concern, and friendship.  Our thoughts and prayers go out for his family and his office staff, Kay and Gina.  Memories will never be forgotten, he will be missed.

I am very sorry to hear about Ron's death.  Ron was my high school classmate in Knoxville, Iowa and my first roommate at the University of Iowa in Iowa City, Iowa.  He was a very special person and a wonderful human being.

Such a gentle person, Dr. VandenBerg made going to the eye doctor such pleasant experience.  We were saddened to learn of his passing.  He will certainly be missed.  Our condolences to his family and also to his wonderful office staff, Kay and Gina

Sorry to hear about the passing of Ron. I was a classmate of Ron's at ICO. A good guy, with a quick smile. My condolences to your family.

 We were so saddened to hear of your loss!  You have been in our thoughts and prayers so much these last few days.  Praying that your strong faith sustains and comforts you, and that God will wrap His loving arms around you at this sad time.

the Vandecars  Jo, Allison and family

Dr. Vandenberg was a true professional, meticulous in his optometry work, and always so friendly.  We will really miss him and his loyal, very competent staff, Kay and Gina. 
Al, Sue & Ben Lewis

My heart goes out to Dr. Ron's girls, including his office girls Kay and Gina.  I know how proud he was of his daughters, and I too was his patient from the very beginning when he took over from Dr. Woodward.  He will be missed very much and impossible to replace.

I was a patient of Dr. Vandenberg's....and I was so sad to hear of his passing at such a young age.  My sympathy to the family.

Susan and Family:

We are so deeply saddened by the news of Ron's death.  He will be greatly missed. We extend our deepest and heartfeldt sympathy to you, Jessie and Kelsey as you go through this very difficult time. Our love, thoughts and prayers are with all of you now and in the days ahead.

I want to extend my sympathy to the family of Dr Ron.   I had just been in on Monday.   My daughter and I had been patient of his since he took over Dr Woodword.  He was always ready to talk about you girls.
so sorry.  Bev Clifton

Our very deepest sympathy to the family of Dr Vanderberg.  We have been patients of his since Dr. Woodward and he will be missed by us and so many others.  He always had a smille, cared about you and your family, never rushed you and we trusted him completely. 
Pat and Patti Flynn ( Vero Beach, Fl)

Jessie and Kelsey, our deepest sympathies and prayers for your loss. Our condolences to the family. May you find strength through each other, and may your happy memories bring you peace in this time of grief.
Shirley, Katie and Fred Classon

We had the pleasure of knowing Ron for many years. Our hearts are saddened for Sue and the girls. He will be well remembered.
Travis & Nancy Schneden

Weare sorry for your loss, we were paitents of Dr Vanderberg for many years and I remember sitting in the stands watching the girls play basketball.  Our prays are with you.  Dr Vanderberg will be missed by all.

Bob & Becky Reiter

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Dr. Vandenberg's family.  We have been his patients for the past 20 years and thought so highly of him.  He was always smiling, kind, and so professional.  He and his office staff, Gina and Kay, made every visit so pleasant and our hearts go out to them as well.  God bless,

With deepest sympathy from Ron's friends in the class of 1973 - Knoxville, Iowa. Ron was a dear friend and touched all of our lives. My heart goes out to his family and daughters. 

Donna Mathias Caldwell (Orlando, FL)

Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. We were patients and we saw
him this you. We will rember him smiling face and the kindness he showed us.
Bill & Marianne Drake

Sorry for your loss. I was a patient since he took over for Dr. Woodward. He always was smiling and we shared stories about our now twenty year olds. We will miss his smile and his stories about his girls.

To the family of Dr. Vandenberg,
We have been patients of Dr. Vandenberg since he took over for Dr. Woodward. He was such a kind and gentle man who always made you feel comfortable at your appointment. He took the time to ask about family and never rushed through your time with him. We will always remember his smile. Our sympathy to his family.

I am saddened by your loss, Jessie, Kelsey and Susan.  May your memories of the good times with you comfort you now. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Know that your father loved you girls.

What a shock - he was such a great optometrist and such a nice man. He will be missed.

I am so sorry for your loss. I have been a patient since moving here in 1983. I was just in the office a couple of months ago, so this is a shock...as I am sure it is for the family. Thoughts and prayers will be with you.

I have been calling on Dr. Vandenberg every 4 months for 9+ years.  He always took the time to stop and talk to me about anything.  He always had a smile on his face a kind thing to say.  He will be missed here on earth but he is waiting for us in heaven.  My condolences to all his family and friends.

Dane Dierks 
Charmant USA

I am so saddened to hear of his passing.  What a class act he was.  May god give you strength as you go this sad time.

Although I hadn't seen him in the last few years, I enjoyed having him as my eye doctor. He was always pleasant and kind with a big smile on his face.  He will truly be missed by his family and patients.  Sincere condolences and prayers through this difficult time.

I'm still at a loss. Dr. Ron was a truly amazing man, and he had an awesome energy that was infectious. He touched the lives of so many, and bettered the lives of many more. Over the last couple years, we grew a great friendship, and I grew a great respect for him. His presence in our lives will be truly missed, and never once forgotten. My prayers go out to the girls, as they were his greatest achievement in his eyes. May you have peace Dr. Ron, my friend... I'm forever grateful for the times we spent together. God bless.

Jessie and Kelsey,
Your Dad will now sing through you. I was one of his first patients-while he was still practicing with Dr. Woodward. I loved his gentle ways, his smile, his giggle, his soothing and patient, "Here's number one (pause) and number two. I'll do that again-number one (pause) or two. Good". He was loved and respected by so many. We were blessed with his knowledge and friendship.
Marie Lindmark (Bettendorf, IA)

I am truly sorry for your loss. I am stunned. I was a patient of his since I was in the third grade and now I am celebrating my 25 year high school reunion. Wow, 34 years or so. He was such a great eye doctor. Prayers to your family.

My thoughts are prayers to the family, I have been a patient since he took over the practice from Dr Woodward.  Sorry for your loss, he was always smiling.

Our thoughts and prayers are with your family at this difficult time.  We were patients of Dr. VandenBerg for several years and he was always smiling and very pleasant.  You couldn't help but to leave his office smiling too!

Dear Jessie and Kelsey:
We are so very sorry for your loss. We will be remembering you in our thoughts and prayers. May God bless and comfort you and your family during this time of sorrow.

David, Roberta, Stephen, Tori and Jonathan Quist

Jessy and Kelsey, I am so saddened to hear of your dads passing. He truly loved you girls to the bone... he lit up every time he spoke of you. I will truly miss him as I also loved him as a client ( one of my faves) ....he always had a smile a d laughed at my jokes like I was really funny! Ha! He will be sorely missed by many. Please take care of BJ...he was a good friend to your dad. Hugs hugs hugs to you both and your family. Love, Kristy

OBITUARY

Ronald Wayne Vandenberg

3 June, 1954 – 22 May, 2012

The Runge Mortuary & Crematory

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Reminders

Services