Ron was born in Davenport, IA on a cold Friday, March 23rd 1951. He was the only son of Peter and Elna Arp. He grew up a farm boy with his 3 sisters doing all the things a farm boy did in the 50’s and early 60’s. Ron’s kids always heard of how hard he and his siblings had it compared to them, walking miles to school in 3 feet of snow, uphill. Those stories will be missed. Ron graduated from Davenport Central High School. Shortly after graduation Ron was shipped off to Vietnam where he proudly served in the US Army. He never really talked about his service, but as time went by he was very happy to see the encouragement and support Vietnam veterans were finally getting.
Upon his return from the Army, Ron went on to be a mechanic at Eagle Food Warehouse in Milan. There he met the love of his life and married Vicky Carrillo in March of 1979. They were married until Vicky’s death in May of 2022. When he married Vicky he inherited 3 rugrats that were proud to call him dad. Anyone that met or worked with Ron new he was the hardest working person they’ll ever meet. This was evidenced by working 2 full-time jobs to support 3 kids and keeping the wife happy. While working with Eagle, Ron took on a second job at TruGreen in 1981. Ron “retired” after a 30+ year career at Eagle Foods while continuing his time with TruGreen. Ron worked at TruGreen till February of 2024, officially retiring after 40+ years there. He made lifelong friends at Eagle and TruGreen that was on full display during Ron’s last few days as he received tons of visitors.
Ron was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Vicky, and brother-in-laws Bert Waddell and Steve Carrillo.
Ron is survived by his 3 rugrats, Dan Turner, Davenport; Dianne (Eric) Ott, Rock Island; Michellee (Vicente) Sanchez, Denton, TX. Mother-in-law Dianne Guerrero. Sister-in-law Paulette Guerrero. Grandchildren Ryan (Danielle) Turner, Adriana Turner, Joe Turner, Natalie Turner, Megan DeRiemacker, Malory DeRiemacker, Hannah DeRiemacker and Maria Guerrero. Great Grandchildren Ryker Tincher, Sy’riah Bradford and Melani Bradford. Sisters Lindy Waddell, Chris (Dick) Lehman and Dorie (Phil) Benore. Numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Funeral arrangements will be held at Runge Mortuary on Monday August 5th. Visitation from Noon till 2 pm. A celebration of life will be held at 2 pm at Runge with internment at Davenport Memorial following. A true celebration for Ron will occur at 4 pm at Kavanaugh’s Hill Top Tap in Rock Island where a few PBRs will be drank in his honor.
