Ron Dant, 88, of Atlantic, Iowa, died Wednesday, January 17, 2024, at Caring Acres in Anita.
Ronald James was born November 20, 1935, the son of LeRoy Ernest and Olga (Christensen) Dant in Brighton Township, Cass County, Iowa. He attended country school and Walnut Public Schools.
He was married to Helen Huffman on March 25, 1956. The couple was blessed with two daughters, Leanne and Cynthia Carol. Helen was sadly taken at an early age due to cancer.
On August 17, 1968, he married Norma (Hansen) Hoeck at Zion Lutheran Church in Atlantic. When Ron remarried, he was so thankful to have someone to step into the role of mother for his daughters. The family enjoyed the trips they took to Arkansas and Okoboji.
Ron was employed by the Guy’s Potato Chips, Colonial Baking Company, and retired from Wonder Bread after 30 years as a route driver. He will be remembered for his contagious laughter and ability to start a conversation with anyone; he never knew a stranger. Ronald loved fishing, especially at night; his daughters weren’t sure how many hours he would sit on the bank in the dark but to them in the car in felt like forever. He was a member of a bowling league at Hawkeye Bowl and the Elk’s Lodge.
Ron is survived by his daughter, Cindy Blair of Wiota; grandchildren, Lynette Ladd of Texas, Nathan Marr of Atlantic, Macey (Mike Shreve) Blair of Exira, and DJ Blair of Atlantic; great-grandchildren, Cadence Marr, Aubrey Flood, Mercaideze Marr, Irelyn Marr, Moxley Marr, Brantlee Blair, Brayson Blair, Kale Richter and Callie Richter; Norma’s niece and nephews in Atlantic, Mary Lou (Bill) Hoeck, Bert Allen (April) Hoeck and Norman (Sue) Hoeck; niece and nephews in Arkansas, Crystal Gilbert, Ben E. Mackrell and Brett Mackrell; and many extended family.
He is preceded in death by his parents, LeRoy and Olga Dant; wives, Helen Dant and Norma Dant; daughter, Leanne (Clay) Belcher; and his brothers, Wayne and Larry Dant.
A portion of Ron’s cremated remains will be placed next to each of his wives. He will be laid to rest next to Norma at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, May 11th in the Atlantic Cemetery, with Pastor Ted Weishaupt officiating. Immediately following, at approximately 11:30 a.m., he will be laid to rest next to Helen at Oaklawn Cemetery in Oakland with military honors performed by the Atlantic Color Guard.
Roland Funeral Service is caring for Ron’s family and his arrangements. Condolences may be left at www.rolandfuneralservice.com.
