Goodyear, Ronald Elliott 1947 - 2023

GOODYEAR, FRYE, JOHNSON STEELMAN, WESTON

Posted By: Joy Moore (email)
Date: 9/8/2023 at 10:27:53

Ronald Goodyear, age 76, of Decorah, IA, passed away on Friday, August 25, 2023, at Aase Haugen Senior Services in Decorah.

Visitation will be Saturday, September 16, 2023, from 12:00 – 2:00 p.m. at the Helms Funeral Home, 306 East Water St., Decorah, IA. There will be a scripture service following the visitation.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family.

Ronald Elliott Goodyear was born May 15, 1947, on a snowy day in Hampton, lowa to Jay & Leona Goodyear. He was born with Hemophilia which never defined his life.

Ron's grandparents owned and operated a carnival. His parents had the concession stand which consisted of Cotton Candy, Sno Kones and popcorn. Every summer they would be with the carnival until his grandparents passed in 1968. Ron would always tell the story of being on stage with the Lone Ranger (Clayton Moore) when he was about 10 years old. He would hold pieces of paper and the Lone Ranger would cut the papers in two with his bull whip. He would have a cigarette in his mouth and Lone Ranger would use his whip and cut it in two. The last thing in the act was the Lone Ranger would say there's silver in them there hills and Ron would say did you lose your damn horse again. The Lone Ranger would then jump onto Silver and ride through the Midway.

Ron graduated from Decorah High School with the class of 1965. He went to Luther College for one year, then went to NIACC for two ears and finished his fourth year at NEICC, Calmar, low with degrees in Business Law, Accounting and Economics.

While at Mason City he was sitting in a bar with three screw drivers in front of him and in walks Waylon Jennings he was here for a concert of George Jones & Tammy Wynette. The bartender wouldn't serve Waylon as he said he already to much drink. Waylon sat down next to Ron and asked him he was going drink all of those drinks, Ron said no and gave him one. Long story short Waylon invited him to go to a party in Clear Lake and Ron said why not.

Ron married Virginia (Ginger) Frye on June 7, 1969. He would always tell everyone we got married a month before Woodstock Rock Fest, but we didn't go, but we did go to the Wadena Rock Fest. From 1967, the start of the Nordic Fest, we ran our concession stand every year through 1979. On Aug. 23, 1980, we were blessed with the love & joy of our lives our Son Russell Elliott Goodyear.

Ron had many accomplishments in his life. College champion pool player, he would play in many tournaments with his mentor who taught him everything about playing pool Wilson Lang. Was an avid card player (poker, euchre, rummy, bridge) just to mention a few. He was a Minnesota Viking fan, Chicago Cubs fan & Iowa Hawkeyes.

Ron was a collector of coins from the age of 5 and had an e x t e n s i v e coin collection. He did many appraisals for banks and estates or other people’s coins no matter how big or small they were. He would also give financial advice to a lot of people but would always tell them this was his advice from what he knew but they could decide what they wanted to do. He never told them what to do but it was only his advice.

Ron is survived by his Wife Ginger of 54 years. Son, Russell and his Wife Kari (Triebes) Goodyear and his grandson, Cameron Willis Goodyear. Brothers and Sister-in-laws: Gary & Geri Frye, Linda & Bob Johnson, Karen Frye & Maxine Goodyear and many nieces & nephews

Ron was preceded in death by his parents Jay & Leona Goodyear, brothers Dennis Goodyear & David at birth and a sister Debra at birth. Grandparents Luther & Fanny Steelman, Floyd & Ada Goodyear. Father & Mother-in-law Kenneth & Helen Frye. Brother-in-law David Frye. Grandparents in laws Lloyd &Vera Weston and Frank & Maude Frye. Ron was also preceded in death by the person we always called our second son Dean Frye. I would be amiss not to mention our five dachshunds: Sam, Schultz, Willie, Mugs, and Ozzie.

We would like to thank all the staff of the Aase Haugen Home for the wonderful care they gave Ron while he was there. A special thanks to His doctors, Dr. James Bullard, Dr. Kevin Locke & Dr. Rajah Pruthi, they all got Ron through many tough times and the reason Ron got to live as long as he did. Would like to thank the Staff of WinnMed ER as you all know we saw you quite often. Also, Same day service & home healthcare.

Ron lived his life to the fullest, never complaining no matter if he was in pain. When Ron was able he was out and doing anything he wanted to do even though he should do it or not!!!

Ronald will be missed but never forgotten.

Source: Helms Funeral Home database