Spooner, Ronald John (1940-2022)

SPOONER, SAMUELSON, RANKIN

Posted By: Ken Wright (email)
Date: 5/3/2022 at 12:31:28

Ronald John Spooner, 81, of Des Moines passed away Saturday, April 16, 2022, surrounded by family and 3 dogs at his home.
Ron was born July 7, 1940, in Waterloo, Iowa to Harold and Irene Englen Spooner. He was raised by his paternal grandparents John and Mabel Spooner. Ron often reminisced of his youth spent in the Janesville area. Some of his fondest memories included stealing the town mayor’s boat, blowing up a deputy’s personal vehicle with dynamite, and spending time with his brother Larry on the family farm. It was there where he ingrained a hard-working and tireless mentality that never escaped him. Ron graduated from Janesville High School in 1958.
Ron married Maureen Strain in November 1961 and had 3 boys, Greg, Chad, and Colin. Ron would later marry Shirley Samuelson a couple of times and filled the role of step-father for Molly Spooner, as well as Kim, Kathy, and Marlow Samuelson.
Ron spent the majority of his life working gritty blue-collar jobs. He held the distinction of quitting or being terminated from “every print shop in the Des Moines area”. Other professions included work at AE Dairy, his jack-of-all-trades “Handyman” business, and “2 Jerks in a Truck” with longtime friend Jim Glaser. His time at Discount Printers lead him to his wife Sharon when they met in 1983.
Ron married Sharon Rankin in 1984. They had two children, Megan and Kelly. Ron credits Sharon with sobriety that he maintained since 1988. Ron also described Sharon as “the best thing that ever happened to him”. It was undeniably with Sharon when he became the best person he could be; a kind and hilarious goofball that was truly loved by everyone that knew him.
He enjoyed keeping himself busy “puttering” with various home and automotive projects. He adored his dogs and cherished long walks. Showing up to the houses of his children unannounced for visits, hiding candy wrappers for the family to later find, and falling asleep mid-sentence were some of his enjoyable pastimes. Traveling and Metallica concerts were a newfound hobby in recent years.
He is preceded in death by his parents Harold and Irene; and his brother, Larry. He is survived by his wife Sharon; sons Greg (Yvette), Chad, Colin, and Kelly (Kati); daughter Megan (Chris); grandson Zak; and Aunt Faith Hopkins.
Summarizing any individual’s life adequately in an obituary is a nearly impossible task, especially for a person who on more than one occasion was requested to write a book detailing his life’s stories. He will continue to be loved and sincerely missed every day.
A celebration of life will take place in Ashby Park at 3200 38th Street in Des Moines on Sunday, May 8th from 1-5 pm.
1941-2022