Ronald Wade House

Ronald House, 90, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on December 3, 2023 in his Lakewood home of 61 years following a brief illness. He is survived by his children, Bruce House, Denise Bauer, and Julie Rogers (Steve), two granddaughters, Jacquelyn Bauer Adams (Paul) and Ashley Bauer (Sean Cottrell), and four great grandchildren, Linden, Reese, Declan and Ronan. He is predeceased by his wife, Dolores, and his three siblings.

Ron was born in October 1933 in Joplin, Missouri and was the second of four children. His parents, Ted and Nellie, moved the family to Denver when he was seven. Ron had a pretty typical childhood for a depression era baby. There wasn't a lot to go around, but they had what they needed. He remembered his pregnant mother standing in bread lines to feed the family. His dad was a hard-as-nails steel worker and his mother was gentle and sweet as honey. The kids played in the fields, the railroad tracks and the local swimming hole. One hot summer day, he and his two brothers and their Irish setter, Penny, accidently sunk a handmade raft and had to scramble to the shore. His youngest brother didn't know how to swim, but somehow crawled along the bottom of the pond until he reached the shore. Ron said they thought he was a goner, but he emerged with muddy weeds hanging from his face in what seemed like an eternity. He graduated from Aurora high school at the age of 17 and joined the Marines. He spent his military years in San Diego and New Mexico before returning to civilian life in Denver. He began his electrician trade and pursued a long and rewarding career as a proud union electrician. He was a member of the IBEW #68 for more than sixty-four years and spent a stint serving on the board for the retirees. Ron met the love of his life, Dolores Jonland (1935-1972), in 1957 when they were both working downtown. Not long after, they were married and were graced with a son and two daughters. They enjoyed picnics, camping, gardening, and raising their young family. They traveled to the west and east coasts in RV's and travel trailers. They bought a brand-new home in Lakewood, CO, which they transformed into a beautifully landscaped and decorated home. Dolores was so proud of their hard work. Many family gatherings were held there. It was a great place to raise a family. Tragically, we lost our sweet Dolores in 1972. Ron carried on and did a remarkable job raising his young family as a young widower.

Ron's number one love and priority in life was family. He lived for family time. He was probably one of the most gracious humans you could ever meet. Despite his hardships, his glass was always half full. Forever grateful for his health, family and his friends. The man never showed up anywhere empty handed. Upon his passing, one of his young great grandkids asked, " Who is going to bring the balloons now that Grandpa Ron is gone?" He brought joy wherever he went. In his twenty-eight years of retirement, he solidified his numerous life-long friendships with childhood friends and his electrician brothers. He regularly had coffee, shot pool, played dominos and rode motorcycles with these guys. He joined a square-dancing group and was a highly sought after partner for the ladies. His travels with this group, even landed him on a cruise ship. His love of music also took him to regular events with friends gathering in church basements, restaurants and the VFW on a weekly basis. He and his friends helped one another with projects, and they took care of the widows of their friends. He had the whole crew over helping him to install a sprinkler system and to wire his basement. The guys were as thick as thieves. Can't even count the number of times he ran friends and family to the airport and was there to pick them up upon their return. Always full of excitement to hear about our trips. Ron was unbelievably generous. He had a knack for recognizing someone in need. Oftentimes, these were strangers. He would pick up the tab of someone he didn't even know that was dining at a restaurant. If you asked him for something, he would never turn you down.

Truly, a life well-lived.

Dad, we miss you every day. We hope that you and Mom have picked up right where you left off fifty-one years ago. You made us proud. See you on the other side.

Burial services will be held at Ft. Logan National Cemetery at 10:00 AM on Friday, September 6th, 2024. Arrive at staging area C by 9:45 AM, 4400 W. Kenyon Ave., Denver. The Celebration of Life will follow at 11:30 AM at the Advantage Runyan Stevenson funeral home at 6425 W. Alameda Ave., Lakewood, CO 80226. A light lunch will be served.