GILSON, Ronald Dean 1945-2018

GILSON, JOHNSON, NELSON, DIXON

Posted By: Connie L. Ellis (email)
Date: 12/5/2018 at 19:53:26

SOURCE: The Cedar Rapids, GAZETTE, Newspaper, Monday, December 3, 2018, page 10A
Contributor: Connie L. Ellis (Not related)

Ronald Dean Gilson, Sr. of Cedar Rapids,Iowa passed away Friday, November 30, 2018 at home following a short courageous battle with cancer. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

Ron was born on October 31, 1945 in Waukon, Iowa to John and Evelyn (Johnson) Gilson. He graduated from the Waukon High School in 1964 and shortly after enlisted as a Radarman. Ron was aboard the USS Liberty when it was attacked in Israeli waters during the Six-Day War. He was injured and was awarded the Purple Heart. After serving his country, he settled in Cedar Rapids where he lived the remainder of his life. He was employed by Cryovac where he worked for more than 40 years until his retirement in 2007.

It was in Cedar Rapids where Ron met Dixie, the love of his life. They were the parents of one son, Ron, Jr. The family spent many enjoyable years at their cabin in Harpers Ferry, Iowa fishing and spending time with family and the many friends they made there.

Ron leaves behind his loving wife, Dixie; his son Ron, Jr. (Ashley); and a daughter Cheryl all of Cedar Rapids. He was "Grandpa" to 13 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by three step-children Doreen, Sue (Vic), and Royce; three sisters Diane (Don) Nelson of Rochester, Minnesota; Peggy (Dennis) Dixon of Stone Lake, Wisconsin, and Michelle Gilson of LaCrosse, Wisconsin in addition to several nieces and nephews. Ron was preceded in death by his parents and a step-son Carl.