Ronald Charles Hurst

Ronald “Ronnie” Hurst died peacefully at Hospice with Heart on the morning of Wednesday, July 1, 2015, in Glenwood, Iowa at the age of 93.

Ronald is survived by his wife, Ruth; his children, Denise and Steve Jacobsen of Glenwood, IA; Steve and Karen Hurst of Mission, TX; Leslie and Kyle Lausee of Huntsville, AL; Barb and Curt Miller of Thurman, IA; Valerie and Kevin Anderson of Brookfield, WI; as well as 12 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and many friends. He is preceded in death by his parents Ona and Carl Hurst; siblings Margaret Newman, Carl Hurst, Jack Hurst and Jerry Hurst; niece Penny Franks and nephew Jimmy Newman.

Ronald Charles Hurst was born on December 17, 1921 in Mills County, Iowa to Ona Grace Alexander-Hurst and Carl Truman Hurst. He graduated from Glenwood High School in 1939. He entered military service in June of 1942. During his service, he spent time overseas as part of the 76th Infantry Division and was engaged in three major battles of the European Theater before its end. He was discharged from the military in November of 1945. For his active military service, he received the Bronze Star, two Purple Hearts, a Combat Infantry badge, a Good Conduct Medal, four European Theater Campaign medals, and a WWII medal. Shortly after his military discharge, he joined the Iowa National Guard, serving as Battalion S2, Battalion Assistant S3, and Platoon Leader, respectively. He spent the last several years in the guard as a mess steward in the Glenwood unit before retiring from military service in 1981. Between active and guard duty, Ronald dedicated 42 years of service to his country.

After active duty, Ronald worked for Wheelers Super Service from 1945-48. He then went to work for the Chevrolet Dealership for 21 years. In 1969, he began his employment at Anderson Auto Parts, working there for 22 years before retiring in 1992. Ronald’s hobbies included bowling, attending auctions, gardening, and after retirement, traveling with the Heritage Club.

Ronald met Ruth Frances Grindle, a nurse at Glenwood State Hospital School, in 1958 they were married on June 14, 1959 in Marion, IN. Upon settling in Glenwood, Ronald continued working for the Chevrolet Dealership as a parts/service manager. In their first nine years of marriage, the couple welcomed five children into their home. He and Ruth recently celebrated their 56th wedding anniversary.

Ronald was an active member of the First Baptist Church of Glenwood, serving as a treasurer, deacon, and trustee respectively. He was also a dedicated member of the American Legion Post 141 of Glenwood, serving as a Sargent of Arms, Post Commander, and Chaplain at various times during his 70 year membership.

Memorials may be directed to the First Baptist Church, American Legion Post 141, Mills County Historical Society of Glenwood, or the Glenwood Public Library.

Interment will be held in the Glenwood Cemetery at a later date.

Visitation:Friday, July 3, 2015
5:00 PM
212 S. Locust St.
Glenwood, IA51534

Service:Saturday, July 4, 2015
10:30 AM
212 N. Vine St.
Glenwood, IA51534