Ronald C. Van Horn

Ronald C. Van Horn, 80, of Mason City, IA, died Saturday, May 2, 2015, at the IOOF Home. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 AM on Saturday, May 9, 2015, at Major Erickson Funeral Home, 111 N. Pennsylvania Avenue, with Pastor Dave Byrd, Chaplain – IOOF Home officiating. Visitation will be from 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM on Friday, May 8, 2015, at Major Erickson Funeral Home and continue one hour prior to the service. Interment will take place in Elmwood-St. Joseph Cemetery with Military Honors conducted by the Mason City Veterans Association. Memorials may be directed to the Ronald Van Horn memorial fund in care of the family. Ronald was born May 13, 1934, in Mason City, the son of Dallas and Velma (Fisher) Van Horn. He graduated from Mason City High School in 1952. On July 25, 1952, he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corp and proudly served his country until his honorable discharge on July 24, 1955. Ron was united in marriage to Delores Funk on December 7, 1955. He began his career with the Mason City Fire Department on February 1, 1956, where he served in many capacities. Ron was promoted to Clerk (July 16, 1965), Assistant Chief (July 1, 1970), and Chief (June 2, 1980). He retired on July 1, 1994. Over the several years while working at the Fire Station he attended many events including the Annual State Fire School in Ames, IA, Fire Instructors Conference at Iowa State University, Air Crash School in Dayton, OH, National Fire Academy in Emmetsburg, MD, and the International Fire Chiefs Conference each year. He was a member of the Iowa Professional Fire Chiefs Association and the International Fire Chiefs Association. Ron was active in Boy Scouts and coached little league for 11 years as his 3 boys were involved. Ron enjoyed spending time with his family – especially his grandchildren. He also enjoyed golfing at Par 3’s and attending his grandsons sporting events. Ron is survived by his wife of 59 years: Delores Van Horn of Mason City; 3 sons: Mark Van Horn and wife Susan of Mason City, Craig Van Horn and wife Jane of Mason City, and Jeffrey Van Horn and special friend Shelly Fox of Mason City; 4 grandsons: Chad Van Horn and wife Jessica, Nathan Van Horn and special friend Hope Servantez, Michael Griffith and special friend Jen Fredrickson, and Jordan Van Horn; 2 great granddaughters: Lauren Van Horn and Lily Van Horn; 2 brothers-in-law: Phillip John Funk and wife Sandy of Mason City and Claude Funk of Mason City; and 1 sister-in-law: Rosalia Van Horn of Bettendorf, IA. He is also survived by many nephews, nieces and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents; 1 brother: Gerald Van Horn; parents-in-law: Roy and Susie Johnson; and father-in-law: Phillip Funk. The family would like to thank the staff of the IOOF Home for taking such wonderful care of Ron for the past 2 years.

Cemetery:
Interment will take place in Elmwood-St. Joseph Cemetery with Military Honors conducted by the Mason City Veterans Association.

Memorials may be directed to the Ronald Van Horn memorial fund in care of the family.