Ronald Lee Kelzer, 76, of Dubuque, died Saturday, September 19, 2026, at the MercyOne Dubuque Medical Center in Dubuque.

Visitation will be from 9:00 am until 10:45 am Friday, September 25, 2026 at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Crematory.

The Funeral Service for Ron will be 11:00 am Friday, September 25, 2026, at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Crematory with Deacon John Stierman officiating. Burial will be in Mount Calvary Cemetery in Dubuque. Full military honors will be rendered by the American Legion Post #6 and the Iowa Army National Guard.

Ron was born November 26, 1949, in Dubuque, the son of Eugene and Lucille Esser Kelzer. On May 3, 1986, he married Lois A. Hohnecker in Dubuque.

Ron was a 1969 graduate of Dubuque Senior High School. Following graduation, he proudly served his country in the United States Army and was honorably discharged. After his military service, Ron began a long career with Flexsteel, where he worked until his retirement. He later continued working at MercyOne.

A devoted Chicago Cubs fan, he found great joy in cheering on his beloved team. Some of his most treasured moments were spent fishing with his grandsons and enjoying the game of baseball with his grandsons, creating memories that will be cherished for years to come. He was also a familiar and dedicated presence at the Veterans Freedom Center, where he made daily trips to recycle cans. More than just a daily routine, these visits reflected the friendships he had built and the deep bonds he shared with the guys there. He was truly devoted to the Veterans Freedom Center community, and the friendships he formed meant a great deal to him.

Survivors include his wife, Lois Kelzer of Dubuque; one son, Bob (Stephanie) Kelzer of Cedar Rapids; two grandsons, Riley and Mason Kelzer; one sister, Judy (Red) Meehan of Williamsburg, VA; four brother-in-laws, Ron (Elaine) Hohnecker of Dubuque, Roger “Tom” Hohnecker of Sunrise Beach, MO, Richard (Debra) Hohnecker of Hampton, NH, and Randy (Vicki) Hohnecker of Dubuque.

He was preceded in death by his parents, niece, and sister-in-law.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established for the Veterans Freedom Center.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the doctors, nurses, and entire ICU and laboratory teams at MercyOne for the exceptional care, compassion, and kindness shown to Ron. Your dedication and support will always be remembered and deeply appreciated. A special thank-you is also extended to his Veterans Freedom Center family, especially Al and Connie Rowell, for their friendship, love, and unwavering support. The kindness and care you shared with Ron meant more than words can express.

A photo tribute can be viewed and condolences sent to the family by visiting Ron’s obituary at www.hskfhcares.com.