Memorial
Ronald A. Van Note, 88, of Marion, died Saturday, October 10, 2015 at St. Luke’s Hospital in Cedar Rapids. Services will be held 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, October 14, 2015 at Cedar Memorial Chapel of Memories. The family will greet friends from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 13, 2015 at Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home.
Survivors include a son, Steve (Marcie) Van Note of Cedar Rapids; daughters Cheryl Van Note of Bloomington, Minnesota and Connie (Phong Ly) Van Note of Eagan, Minnesota; grandchildren Derrick and Taylor Sommerfeld, and Kiley Van Note; great-grandchild Dillon Sommerfeld; a brother, Howard (Janet) Van Note; a sister, Carolyn (Marilyn Chambers) Van Note; and many cousins, nephews and nieces.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his loving wife of 61 years Dorothy.
Ron was born July 18, 1927 in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, the son of Laurence N. and Esther M. (Eaton) Van Note. He graduated in 1945 from Franklin High School in Cedar Rapids. Ron met the love of his life, Dorothy at the Cemar roller skating rink after graduation in 1945 and they were married at Calvary Baptist Church in Cedar Rapids on June 6, 1947. Ron joined the Navy in July 1945 and received an honorable discharge in July 1946 after shipboard duties that took him to Japan after the war. He attended Coe College for one semester before pursuing his dream of becoming a carpenter and builder. He completed his apprenticeship and worked several years honing his skills as a carpenter. With the encouragement and assistance of his wife Dorothy, Ron started Van Note Construction Company in September 1954, a successful family business that continued for 43 years until his retirement in 1997. He was an active member of Marion Christian Church for over 55 years lending his expertise and assistance to many church construction projects.
Ron enjoyed his hobby of antique cars, eventually specializing and becoming an expert on 1931 Chevys, of which he owned several over the years. He was especially proud of his restoration work on his 1931 Chevy station wagon. Dorothy shared in his hobby and many of their travels centered on old car shows and swap meets around the country. Together they enjoyed the fellowship with members of the Antique Automobile Club and Vintage Chevrolet Club.
Ron will be remembered as a hard-working, honest and kind man who was devoted to his family. He will be deeply missed.
The family would like to thank all of the nurses and staff at St. Luke’s Hospice and the Critical Care/Intensive Care Center for all of their compassion and support.