Ronald Joseph Seifert, 61, passed away December 10, 2021, at the VA Hospital in Tucson, Arizona. His brief battle with cancer showed his courage in facing life challenges. Despite the pain, Ron came out a hero and stayed strong and independent until the end. Ron was born September 26,1960, in Omaha, Nebraska to Edward and Helen (Kosak) Seifert.
Ron graduated from Omaha South High School in 1979. After graduation, Ron served in the United States Air Force until he retired in 1994 from Nellis, AFB, Nevada, and served in Operation Desert Storm. During Ron’s time in the service, he attained the rank of Tech. Sgt and was a Crew Chief on F-16 aircraft. While stationed at Hill Air Force Base in Roy, Utah, Ron married Teri Black and to this union his daughter Sarah was born. Through this marriage, Ron also became the father to Chris Black. Following his retirement from the Air Force, Ron returned to Omaha and worked for Harvey’s Casino, where he met his future wife, Debbie Johnson. On January 30, 1998, Ronald and Debbie were married in Red Oak, lowa and made their home in Griswold, lowa. ln 2006, Ronald graduated from lowa Western Community College with a degree in Aircraft Maintenance. Following graduation, Ron and Debbie moved to Tucson, Arizona, where Ron worked as an airplane mechanic for SkyWest Airlines until 2010. While in Tucson, Ron continued to learn and received his certification as a certified patient care tech and worked in several medical facilities before his health forced him to retire in 2017.
Ron volunteered with for several military organizations, including Military Assistance Mission, the American Red Cross, and Blue Star Moms. Ron also collected precious metals, rare currency, and Swarovski crystal.
Ron is survived by his wife of 23 years, Debbie; his children: Sarah Seifert of Roy, Utah, Chris (Shanel) Black of Ogden, Utah, Jennifer (Paul) Mertz of Red Oak, lowa; Ryan (Mia) Johnson of Griswold, lowa, and Marcus (Jeremy) Johnson-Miller of Des Moines, lowa; 10 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his siblings: Ed (Jean), Al (Diana) and Linda Carey, special cousin Skip Laskowsky, other cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends; and his beloved pets: Skippy, Manny, Nugget, Missy and Honey.
He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother in infancy, brother-in-law Jim Carey, sisters-in-law Cindy Eggert and Susan Hadden, aunt, and uncles.
Interment of cremated remains will be held on Saturday, September 3, 2022, at 11:00 AM, at the Pleasant Township Cemetery, south of Griswold. Lunch will be served at the Griswold Legion Post #508, following the services at the cemetery. Rieken Duhn Funeral Home in Griswold is assisting the family.
