Memorial

Ronald Harold Campbell, lovingly known as Ron, passed away peacefully at home on October 29, 2026, surrounded by his loving family and faithful dog, Abby. He was 86 years young. Ron courageously battled esophageal cancer for three years and four months, facing each day with determination and grace as he sought every moment with those he loved most. 

Born on June 4, 1940, in Sioux City, Iowa, Ron was the eldest of four children. He graduated from Sioux City schools and developed a strong work ethic at an early age, holding jobs such as delivering newspapers while remaining actively involved in his church youth community.

Ron proudly served his country in the United States Army, where he attained the rank of Sergeant and worked as a Medic Specialist. During his military service, he met the love of his life, Karen Bohlen, through mutual friends. Their connection was immediate, and after only six months of dating, they were married on June 16, 1963, in Boone, Iowa.

While Ron was completing his military service, Karen called with the joyful news that they were expecting their first child. Their daughter, Lisa, arrived ten months after their wedding. Following his honorable discharge in 1964, Ron earned a business degree from the University of South Dakota, where Karen also graduated. He then embarked on a 36-year career with Burroughs Corporation, later known as Unisys, specializing in computer banking systems during the early years of a rapidly evolving industry.

As his career flourished, the family welcomed their second daughter, Sarah. Promotions took the Campbell family from Sioux City to Minneapolis, Minnesota, and eventually to Cedar Rapids, Iowa, where Ron served as a branch manager. He retired in December 2000 after an exceptional and dedicated career with the same company.

Ron loved boating, water skiing, fishing in the lakes of Minnesota and Canada, and spending weekends at Coralville Reservoir. He enjoyed golfing, raising horses and mowing his many acres in the sunshine, he loved all kinds of music, especially the oldies, staying well-read on current events and politics, going for drives in his convertibles and was a master griller on his charcoal Weber grill. But he especially loved doing anything that had to do with his family.

A lifelong sports enthusiast, Ron was a devoted Iowa Hawkeye fan who began attending football games in 1977 and never missed a game until well into his illness. He also faithfully followed Iowa men’s and women’s basketball and, in recent years, enjoyed cheering for Caitlin Clark and Indiana Fever.

Ron was a generous and compassionate man. He quietly supported many organizations throughout his life, including the Wounded Warrior Project, Tunnel to Towers Foundation, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Shriners Hospitals for Children, the Swisher Men’s Club, and the Swisher Fire Department, among others.

One of Ron’s greatest heartbreaks was losing Karen seven years ago. Their 53 years of marriage were marked by deep love, unwavering devotion, and true partnership. The family finds comfort in knowing they are together once again.

Ron’s greatest blessings were his daughters, Lisa Campbell Evans and her husband, Tracey, and Sarah Campbell Williams and her husband, Charles. Ron never referred to Tracey and Charles as sons-in-law; he proudly introduced them simply as his sons.

His heart grew even fuller with the arrival of his beloved granddaughters, Emily and Erica. Ron and Karen were devoted grandparents who attended every activity, celebrated every milestone, and made it a yearly tradition to see the girls off on their first day of school. Ron treasured opportunities to pick them up from school and spend special time together, whether over lunch, at the beach, or simply enjoying one another’s company. He took immense pride in the remarkable women they became. One of Ron’s most cherished recent memories was witnessing the marriage of his granddaughter Emily to Logan in an intimate church ceremony this past January. Knowing Ron’s health was declining, Emily and Logan thoughtfully chose a small wedding so he could be present to celebrate their special day. It was a tremendous gift and blessing to Ron and to the entire family.

Ron will be remembered for his devotion to family, his loyalty to friends, his generosity, his faith, his love of the outdoors and Hawkeye sports, and his ability to find joy in life’s simple pleasures. He leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, kindness, and countless treasured memories that will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.
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The Family Wishes to Express Their Gratitude

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the Cedar Rapids VA for its outstanding care and support throughout Ron’s illness, and to Lisa Mahoney of UnityPoint Palliative Care. Special thanks to Avery Arnold of Right at Home, who cared for Ron beginning in February and became a cherished friend to both Ron and the entire family. The family is also grateful to Tyleia Houke and nurse Brooklyn from Right at Home, and Sheila Kelley for their dedicated support and care. With deepest appreciation, the family thanks Anna Stenberg and Nene Washington of Moments Hospice for ensuring Ron’s comfort and dignity while providing extraordinary support, compassion, and guidance during his final days.

A visitation will be held on Saturday November 6, 2026, at Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home from 12:00 p.m. until 2:30 p.m., where memory sharing will take place at 2:00 p.m. followed by a 3:00 p.m. Graveside service at Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery with full Military Honors. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Moments Hospice or the Cedar Rapids VA in Ron’s honor.