Paul Ridge (1942-2021)

RIDGE

Posted By: Ken Wright (email)
Date: 11/24/2021 at 15:27:23

PAUL “TOM” RIDGE

Marion

Paul “Tom” Ridge, 79, of Marion, Iowa, passed away Monday, Nov. 22, 2021, in his home with his wife of 57 years, Julie, by his side. A visitation will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 27, at Cedar Memorial Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held the following day at 1 p.m. Sunday at First United Methodist Church in Marion.

Paul Thomas (Tom) Ridge was born in Muscatine, Iowa, on the 23rd day of July in 1942. He grew up in Muscatine, attended Muscatine Junior College, and graduated with a degree from William Penn University in Oskaloosa, Iowa. After moving to Cedar Rapids to start work at Collins Radio, he served in the U.S. Army Reserves for eight years and did his active duty in Tacoma, Wash. His 35-year career as a master scheduler at Collins Radio (Aerospace) included contributions to the Apollo Rocket and Space Shuttle programs as well as countless additional avionics projects for both the U.S. military and private clients.

An avid University of Iowa sports fan, Tom began attending Hawkeye football games at the age of 8 and proceeded to only miss two home games over the next 63 years. His love of the Hawks, of course, rubbed off on his family, all of whom continue to carry on that loyalty today.

As a father, grandfather, husband and friend, Tom was supportive and patient. He was known as someone who didn't seek the limelight, but who was always present when people needed him most. His family and friends have spent recent days recounting countless stories of their times together in their homes; at their cabin in Brooklyn, Iowa; on the road in their RV; in and around Kinnick Stadium; and in their priceless neighborhood on Crandall Drive in Cedar Rapids. They have celebrated a life that was truly full, both in experience and love.

Tom was preceded in death by his father, Paul Gene; his mother, Helen; and his sister, Sharon.

Left to cherish his memories are his wife and best friend, Julie; daughter, Nicole (Marion); son, Brett and daughter-in-law Tammy (Grimes, Iowa); brother, Steve and sister-in-law Rene (Marion); sister, Betty Sue and brother-in-law Mike Archibald (Norwalk, Iowa); grandsons, Andrew, Waldon and Anthony; and granddaughter, Ashley; great-grandson, Logan; and loving dog, Lexi.

Memorial donations may be sent in lieu of flowers to the First United Methodist Church of Marion or Cedar Valley Humane Society.