Des Moines
Ron VanElsen, 67, passed away Monday, January 20, 2014 at Taylor House Hospice in Des Moines. Visitation will be from noon to 1:30 p.m. Thursday at McLaren’s Chapel in West Des Moines with burial at Iowa Veterans Cemetery following the visitation.
Ron was born November 13, 1946 in Colfax. He served in the Air Force as an intercept operator during the Vietnam War. Ron worked as a locksmith for Mercy Hospital until his retirement. He was a sweet, compassionate man with a sharp sense of humor and good moral sense. Ron enjoyed reading, playing guitar and spending time with his friends and family. He will be profoundly missed by his family.
Ron is survived by his wife, Cheryl; daughters, Heather (Mike) Houston and Christina Hughes; eight grandchildren; beloved pets, Lucy and Peewee.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the Wounded Warrior Project or Taylor House Hospice in Des Moines.