Ronald Gilson

Ronald Dean Gilson, Sr., 73, of Cedar Rapids passed away Friday, November 30 at home after a short, courageous battle with cancer. A memorial of life will be held at a later date.

Ron was born October 31, 1945 in Waukon to John and Evelyn Gilson. He graduated Waukon High School in 1964 and shortly after, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy. He served four years as a Radarman. Ron was aboard the USS Liberty ship that was attacked in 1967 in Israeli waters, known as The Six Day War. He was injured and awarded the “Purple Heart”.

After serving his country, he settled in Cedar Rapids, where he lived the remainder of his life. He was hired by Cryovac, where he worked for 40-plus years until his retirement in 2007. It was in Cedar Rapids where Ron met Dixie, the love of his life. They had one son, Ron, Jr. The family spent many enjoyable years at their cabin in Harpers Ferry 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; and he was “Grandpa” to 13 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren. Also surviving are three stepchildren: Doreen, Sue (Vic) and Royce; three sisters: Diane (Don) Nelson of Rochester, MN, Peggy (Dennis) Dixon of Stone Lake, WI and Michelle Gilson of La Crosse, WI; plus several nieces and nephews. Ron was preceded in death by his parents and a stepson, Carl.

Special thanks to Doreen, Sue and Ashley for the time and care they provided Ron during his illness.