Ron Stalder

September 12, 1941 - May 28, 2019

Ronald Ray Stalder, age 77, of Washington, Iowa, died Tuesday, May 28, 2019, at Mercy Hospital in Iowa City following a sudden illness. Celebration of life services will be held 10:30 a.m. Saturday, June 1, 2019 at the Jones & Eden Funeral Home in Washington. Calling hours will begin noon Friday at the Jones & Eden Funeral Home where the family will receive friends from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. Friday evening. Interment will be held at Elm Grove Cemetery in Washington. In lieu of flowers, a general memorial has been established. Online condolences may be sent for Ron’s family through the web at www.jonesfh.com Ron was born September 12, 1941, in Washington, Iowa, the son of Raymond and Dorothy (Weinard) Stalder. He graduated from Washington High School in 1960. Ron was united in marriage to Elaine Wulf on December 10, 1961, in rural Ainsworth, Iowa. They were married for 53 years and now have been reunited with each other in Heaven. Ron owned a service station when he was younger and worked various jobs later in life that included Arnold Motor Supply and Sitler’s Supply. He also owned his own truck and was contracted to haul for Moorman’s Feed. Ron volunteered with the Washington Fire Department for over 40 years, retiring as a firetruck driver. He was one of the first members of the Washington County Rescue Unit. He was also a member of Country Travelers RV Club and enjoyed camping, especially at the Iowa State Fair, which he and Elaine had done for 27 years. Ron and Elaine wintered in Mission, Texas for 7 years. Dirt car racing was another passion in Ron’s life. He and his son, Randy, raced together for 12 years and Ron attended many local dirt track races. He was an official at the Eldon Raceway for many years. He is survived by his daughter, Rhonda Dietrich and husband Paul of Williamsburg, Iowa; son, Randy Stalder and wife Tanya of Washington, Iowa; son, Ryan Stalder and wife Sarah of Rogers, Arkansas; grandchildren: Seth Dietrich and wife Trisha, Brett Dietrich and wife Allison, Austin Stalder and Baylee Stalder, Kaleb Stalder and fiancé Rebecca, and Kristen Stalder and Justin Stalder; great-grandchildren: Clara, Elsa, Landon and Maddox Dietrich; brother, Richard Stalder and wife Barbara of Washington, Iowa; brother, Jerry Stalder and wife Mary Ann of Missouri; brother, Robert Stalder and wife Janette of Denton, Texas; and numerous nieces and nephews. Ron was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Elaine in 2016; and sister, Marquita Harris.