Ronald Gene Anderson

Ronald “Ron” Gene Anderson, 82, of Waterloo, died Sunday, May 24, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Sioux City, IA, on July 12, 1943, the son of Henry Anderson and Ruth Swanson Anderson. Ron graduated from Waterloo West High School in 1961 and entered the US Air Force that same year. He met Virginia Ann Goodman at Clover’s Drive-In in Ft Worth, TX, in 1963, and they were married on August 14, 1964. To this union the couple was blessed with four children. After leaving the Air Force and moving back to Waterloo, Ron worked in the heating and air conditioning business as an installer, first for his father at Henry’s Heating and Cooling, and then for several other firms before retiring in 2008. He was a member of Bethany Bible Chapel in Cedar Falls.

Ron was a caring man who was hard working and loved life. He is remembered as having an extremely firm handshake, big, powerful hands, and a generous spirit. Ron loved to garden, growing vegetables that he enjoyed sharing with friends and putting to good use at his favorite family get-together, Mexican Fiestas. He loved the summer sun, spending time in the yard and the garden, and riding around on his John Deere tractor. He had the “softest lawn in Iowa” and it was the best place to be barefoot.

Ron enjoyed playing cards, cheering for the New York Yankees and the Minnesota Vikings, and spending time in the pool, a special gathering place for the family. Always looking for ways he could serve others, Ron served as a soccer coach for his boys, and served his church as a greeter, Deacon, Treasurer, and in the kitchen. Ron was especially proud of his children and his grandchildren and invested himself in their lives.

Ron is survived by his wife of 61 years, Ann, of Waterloo; children Randy (Lori) Anderson, Rod (Cindy) Anderson, and Carol (Doug) Anderson, all of Waterloo, Rick (Suzi) Anderson of Phoenix, AZ; 12 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren with one on the way; brothers Gary (Barb) Anderson of Waterloo and Dennis (Becky) Anderson, of Cedar Falls; sister-in-law Linda (Russ) Bantau of Argyle, TX; and many other family and friends. He was preceded by his parents and sister Marlys Anderson.

Funeral services for Ron will be Monday, June 8, 2026, at 11:00 AM at Bethany Bible Chapel, 4507 Rownd St, Cedar Falls with a luncheon to follow the service. There will be a private burial service after the luncheon at Garden of Memories Cemetery in Waterloo. The family will receive friends from 9:30 AM until the start of the service. Memorial contributions should be directed to Bethany Bible Chapel. Online condolences may be expressed at www.lockefuneralservices.com.