Memorial
Ronald Bruce Williams, Master Chief Petty Officer, U.S. Navy, Retired
Ronald Bruce Williams, 80, passed away peacefully on July 8, 2026, at NorthCrest Specialty Care in Waterloo, Iowa, following an extended illness related to complications of Agent Orange exposure. His beloved wife of nearly 38 years, Beverly, was by his side.
Ron was born on October 15, 1945, in Blue Earth County, Minnesota, to Matthias and Harriet (Curry) Williams. He spent most of his childhood in southern Minnesota. Hard work became a defining part of his life from an early age. At just 12 years old, he began selling newspapers throughout Mankato, going from store to store and bar to bar. Later, he worked in a local restaurant, advancing from busboy to cook.
At 17, Ron left school and enlisted in the U.S. Army, beginning a military career that he considered one of the greatest honors of his life. After training at Fort Knox, he served with Company F, 40th Armor, as a tank driver in West Berlin during the height of the Cold War. He later served with the 4th Infantry Division in Vietnam as an Operations Sergeant and weapons instructor. Following his return home, he briefly worked in the automotive industry before realizing the military was where he truly belonged.
In 1973, Ron joined the U.S. Navy. He served with VA-52 at NAS Whidbey Island as a flight deck troubleshooter aboard the USS Kitty Hawk, completing three Western Pacific deployments. He later transferred to the guided missile destroyer USS Cochrane, homeported at Pearl Harbor, serving during deployments that included operations in the Indian Ocean during the Iran hostage crisis. His final assignment was in Navy Recruiting, where he continued to mentor and serve others until retiring in 1993 as a Master Chief Petty Officer (E-9).
After retirement, Ron and Bev made their home in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Although Agent Orange-related health issues eventually left him disabled, his commitment to fellow veterans never wavered. Alongside five other Vietnam veterans, he helped establish the Linn County Veterans Charity Fund, serving as its driving force for 12 years. Under his leadership, the organization raised more than a quarter of a million dollars to assist veterans and their families throughout Linn County.
Ron was deeply proud of his military service and the opportunity to serve and defend his country. His dedication, strength, and willingness to help others defined his life both in and out of uniform.
He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers.
He is survived by his wife, Bev; his stepchildren, Shane Ringo, Robert (Evelyn) Zaputil, Cheryl (Bill) Webber, Jeff (Dalisa) Zaputil, and Tim (Rachel) Zaputil; two brothers; one sister; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and many extended family members and friends who will remember his generosity, quiet strength, and unwavering devotion to his family, fellow veterans, and country.
Ron will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
In accordance with Ron's wishes, a private family memorial service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to UnityPoint Hospice or Linn County Veteran Services.