Ronald J. Cross

Ronald James Cross was born on February 13, 1950, in Denison, Iowa, the son of William and Maxine (Clark) Cross. He joined his two older brothers, Dave and Dwayne, and was raised on the family farm in rural Dow City, where he grew up raising pigs and milking cows. He attended Dow City School until the age of 18.

In the spring of 1968, Ron volunteered for the draft and enlisted in the United States Army on April 23, 1968. He completed basic training at Fort Lewis, Washington, followed by AIT training at Fort Huachuca, Arizona, where he served as an acting corporal and led his own squad. He later requested lineman training and was stationed at Fort Carson, Colorado for eight months before being deployed to Vietnam.

While in Vietnam, Ron served as a field wireman in charge of communications, making daily runs from field locations back to base camp for batteries and lights. He went through three jeeps during his service. He received numerous military honors including two Bronze Stars, Army Commendation Medals, and completed advanced training with pistol, rifle, grenade, and auto rifle sniper qualifications. He was honorably discharged on March 20, 1970.

On March 22, 1969, Ron was united in marriage to Paula Rehse. The couple made their home in Dow City, Iowa, and were blessed with two sons, Troy Scott and Greg William.

Ron devoted his working life to Farmland Foods, beginning in 1967 and retiring in 2009 after 41 years of service. He worked in the kill floor, ham boning department, fabrication, and maintenance. In 1993, he became certified in five levels of maintenance mechanics, and his final position was maintenance mechanic foreman. He was highly respected by his coworkers for his dedication and strong work ethic.

In his free time, Ron enjoyed golfing, fishing at the farm pond, and cutting wood, which he used to heat his home for 41 years.

Ronald passed away on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, at Crawford County Memorial Hospital, having attained the age of 75 years, 10 months, and 25 days. In addition to his parents, Ron was preceded in death by his son, Greg Cross; his brothers, David Cross and Dwayne Cross; and his nephew, James Cross.

He is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Paula Cross of Denison; his son, Troy Cross (special friend, Van) of Urbandale; two granddaughters, Avery and Aleigha, and their mother, Karle Snyder of Amana, Iowa; sisters-in-law, Debbie Cross and Cathy Cross; niece, nephews, extended family members, and friends.

Visitation with family greeting friends will be held on Saturday, January 10, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m., with a funeral service to follow at 1:30 p.m., all at Huebner Funeral Home in Denison. Military honors will be held in the Dow City Cemetery in Dow City.