Ronald “Ron” Hixon, age 84, of La Motte, IA, passed away March 14, 2024, at the University Of Iowa Hospitals Neurosurgery ICU while surrounded by his loving family.  To honor Ron’s life, a private family service is being held at Grandview Methodist Church at a later date.

Ron was born June 20, 1939, in Portland, OR, to Paul and Ruby (Campbell) Hixon.  Several years later the family moved to Long Beach, CA, where they lived until moving to Nebraska to the family farm when Ron was seven years old.  He graduated from Chapel Nebraska High School.  He attended and graduated from college at Kearney, NE.  He married Janet Kay Erickson in October, 1960.  Together they raised two beautiful daughters.  They later divorced.  Ron taught shop at Dubuque Senior High School from 1968 until 1980 when he began teaching at NICC until his retirement in 2000.  Ron also served in the Naval Reserve for 22 years from which he retired.  During his time of service he served on various ships, in Germany, Korea and Spain.

In 2006, Ron married his best friend, Lois Trent, and they traveled many countries together.  He loved their home in the country and spending time with his children and grandchildren both here and in Colorado.  He was an avid military history buff and whenever he could capture someone’s attention he would love to engage them in a discussion.  He enjoyed sitting by the fireplace in the winter and loved looking at the Christmas villages which adorned the mantel.  During the spring and summer, you could find Ron enjoying the deck overlooking the property and watching the hummingbirds at the feeders. He also loved racing around the lane giving rides in the Kubota side by side to the grandkids and great-grandkids. Ron was a cancer survivor, but in recent times experienced some health issues which eventually led to the University of Iowa Hospitals.

Surviving besides his wife, Lois Hixon, La Motte, IA; are his daughters, Cheryl (Jan) Knibbe, Foxfield, CO, and Chris (Randy) George, Colorado Springs, CO.  Four grandchildren: Kelsy (Greg) Stahl, Erin (Andrew) Evans, Kyle Knibbe, Erica (Andrew) Candia; and great-granddaughter, Kiera Candia.  Four step-children: Pamela (Scott) Scales, Durango, IA, Daniel (Hyun Sook) Trent, Cedar Rapids, IA, Karen (Kyle) Snay, St. Peter, MN, and Thomas (Amy) Trent, Coralville, IA.  Nine step-grandchildren: Shelby (Cody) Lange, Sabrina Scales, Samuel Scales, Connor Snay, Rowan Snay, Lauren Trent, Joshua Trent, Sang Huck (Mike) Lee, and Soo Hyun (Kara) Lee. One step great-grandson, James Lange.  Two brothers: Gary (Carol Ann) Hixon, and Tim (Kathy) Hixon, both of Ft. Collins, CO; many nieces and nephews; and former wife, Janet Hixon.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and aunts and uncles.

The family wishes to thank all of the staff at the University of Iowa Hospital Neurosurgery Unit, along with the Palliative/Hospice Care for their compassionate care and concern.

Online condolences for Ron’s family may be left at www.tristatecremationcenter.com